Incline High School evacuated over concerns of a gas leak

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - On Tuesday, March 14, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) along with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded to Incline High School for a reported smell of natural gas.

Students were evacuated while fire crews attempted to locate the origin. No gas was detected inside the structure but high levels of gas were detected in multiple locations in the snow on the roof. Due to the heavy snow load, the crews were unable to locate the origin of the leak with this information, natural gas was turned off to the structure.

Natural gas can remain trapped at high levels inside the snowpack.

In an abundance of caution NLTFPD in consultation with Southwest Gas, WCSO, Washoe County School Police and Washoe County School District determined it was unsafe for students and staff to be inside the building. The areas adjacent to the high school remain safe.

Gas in the snow on roofs is a commercial building with a flat roof issue, one that is impacted by the current heavy snow. Gas is run along the roofs in a black pipe that is secured every ten feet. The weight of the snow can sever those joints in the gas pipe. Gas then escapes as it is lighter than air, but the snow keeps it trapped. When shoveling snow off of a flat room, people need to be aware of these pipes and not damage them.

At this time it is unknown where the problem at Incline High School is it is being investigated.

NLTFPD said they have seen a significant increase in gas leaks, Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms, and other hazard-related emergencies resulting from repeated storms and heavy snow.

At homes, CO escapes a home through vents on the roof. If that vent doesn't allow it to leave, there could be an issue. The older homes have metal vents, and the metal heats up, keeping the snow away from them and allowing some gas out. The new homes have more efficient plastic vents that don't heat up, so the snow around them doesn't automatically melt. CO is also an issue with generators. They should never be used inside, and those piped on the outside need to be checked as snow can create an unsecured pipe, allowing gas to escape as it finds the path of least resistance.