Recommended Steps for Burning or Escaping Gas:

Personal Protective Equipment — Full protective gear including S.C.B.A. should be worn at incidents involving gas.

Apparatus Placement —When possible, apparatus should approach from upwind and be positioned an adequate distance from the gas leak until additional information has been obtained and the type of gas identified. Do not position apparatus over sewers or manholes.

Unignited Gas Escaping Outside a Building—Insure that the gas company has been notified. If gas is escaping from the ground, an open pipe, a manhole, an excavation, a sewer or a vault, establish a hot zone around the location. Eliminate potential ignition sources. Prohibit smoking. Extinguish all open flames. Be alert to other sources of ignition such as machinery or electrical equipment. Check other buildings in the area, basements in particular (if any), for any sign of gas odors. Restrict or re-route traffic until gas company personnel can safely bring the gas emergency under control.

Gas Burning Out-of-Doors–- Protect exposures and recognize the high radiant heat hazard. Insure that the gas company has been notified. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire while gas is still flowing. The best method to control any gas fire is to shut off the gas flow. Clear the area and spray the surrounding combustibles if there is any danger of ignition. Do not use water on burning natural gas at its point of escape. If you must try to extinguish the flame, apply dry chemical at the base of the flame and wet the surrounding area with fog to prevent re-ignition.