Gas leak leaves schools, homes, businesses in North Idaho without heat, hot water
A gas leak has affected homes and businesses across North Idaho, leaving thousands of customers without heat and hot water.
Avista Utilities, a company that provides electric and natural gas in North Idaho, said on its website a gas pipeline had been struck and damaged Wednesday. Customers across Pullman, Moscow, Albion, Palouse, Uniontown, Colton, Genesee, Troy, Bovill, Deary, Asotin, Lewiston and Clarkston could be affected for several days, Avista said.
The pipeline is owned by Williams Pipeline, a third party that provides gas to Avista, the company said.
“Williams Pipeline is currently working on repairs to the pipeline, Avista said. “Avista cannot begin the relight process until those repairs are made.”
Crews were going around to each customer’s gas meter to manually turn them off to ensure safety until the pipeline is fixed, Avista said on social media.
Local businesses were selling out of portable heaters as residents prepared to stay warm, the Moscow-Pullman News reported.
The accident disrupted service for many Moscow businesses. Because the city’s buildings are heated with natural gas, all non-essential business offices closed Thursday, according to a news release from the city of Moscow. The city said that other than the Police Services Facility, which uses electric heat pumps, there was no other way to heat the buildings.
City offices will remain closed through Monday; they are observing Veterans Day on Friday.
The Latah County Jail in Moscow, where murder suspect Bryan Kohberger is being held, has heat, and hot water is being provided upon request, an official said. Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students last November.
U of I canceled classes and closed nonessential offices for the rest of the week because of the gas leak.
All schools in the Moscow, Lewiston, Whitepine, Genesee and Troy school districts closed Thursday, citing a lack of heat and other utilities.
“A lack of heating systems, cooking systems, and dishwashing/washing systems and other reasons will make it difficult for all of our students to learn effectively,” Moscow Superintendent Shawn Tiegs wrote in a letter to staff and parents, the Moscow-Pullman Daily News reported.
