As homes in Lake Arrowhead and Crestline are trapped in snow drifts sometimes more than 10 feet tall, some residents have been panicking as a strong gas smell permeates much of the area, leading some to ask if the smell is coming from gas meters buried under deep snow.
Facebook groups are filled with locals who are unable to leave their homes asking for someone to come help them dig out the gas meter, concerned it could cause an explosion.
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Southern California Gas Company, however, says that snow-covered gas meters should not cause major problems.
“In the majority of instances, your meter being buried in snow does not present a safety hazard,” said Southern California Gas Company spokesperson Brian Haas. “If you do not smell gas, please do not turn off your gas meter.”
Haas said that it is safe to remove snow and debris from the meter using a broom or a brush, but that hard objects could damage the meter.
He also said SoCal Gas advises residents to make sure that “gas appliance intake and exhaust vents are clear of obstructions” if snow is accumulating on their rooftops.
San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief Mike McClintock said the department is following SoCal Gas’s guidance and stated that residents can remove snow from meters if they know where they are and it is safe to do so.
McClintock said as of Friday it was not clear if gas leaks were the cause of seven fires in Lake Arrowhead over the past week.
After four fires early in the week, three more house fires occurred Friday morning, McClintock said, adding that they did not appear to be explosions like the other blazes.
But authorities believe all the fires were storm-related, McClintock said, and are exploring the possibility that gas leaks played a role. The agency is also aware of gas odor reports.
“We are responding to gas leaks, but we’re prioritizing calls based on life safety,” McClintock said.
Lake…
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