The West Hartford Fire Department responded to a ‘potentially explosive condition’ early Wednesday morning.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Fire Department established a “safe area” and were on full alert as Connecticut Natural Gas technicians worked to repair a severed natural gas line in the Center early Wednesday morning.

Chief Greg Priest said construction crews working in the area of 1003 Farmington Ave., on the western edge of the Center, struck a natural gas line. The incident was reported to dispatchers at 4:42 a.m. Wednesday.

When crews arrived on scene within in minutes, Priest said, air monitoring equipment determined the presence of a “potentially explosive condition.”

According to Priest, crews completely closed off a quarter-mile area of Farmington Avenue for roughly two hours to ensure the safety of the public while CNG technicians worked to control the leak.

Units proactively delayed their firefighting hose lines, Priest said, protecting the buildings in the area and in support of the CNG crews working on the scene.

Priest said that the area was reopened and the incident brought under control at 6:21 a.m. with no injuries or damage to any structures.

Construction continues in the area, but the roadway and businesses are open and accessible.

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