BEND, OR -- A northeast Bend gas leak shut down several streets and led to evacuations, Tuesday morning. Bend Fire responded to near the Taco Bell at NE Third Street and Kearney, just before 10 a.m. They found a broken 4" natural gas main and began evacuating nearby buildings, including a preschool. 

 

Third Street closed between Olney and Greenwood; police and ODOT crews are rerouting traffic around the area. Traffic could be impacted for up to four hours. Those in the surrounding area are asked to "shelter in place," between First and Fifth streets, and from Greenwood to Olney. People are asked to stay indoors and not use open flame or anything else that could cause a spark and refrain from operating vehicles or machinery.

 

KBND News will continue to follow this developing story, and will update as more information becomes available. 

 

11 a.m. UPDATE: Bend Police say the leak was caused during construction in the alley between the Shell gas station and Baskin Robbins on Third Street. Cascade Natural gas crews are responding, but they estimate it won't be fixed until the afternoon. NE 2nd, 3rd and 4th streets are closed between Greenwood and Marshall Ave. Some traffic restrictions are also in place on NE 5th and 1st. Everyone is asked to avoid the area. 

 

1 p.m. UPDATE: Bend Fire crews say gas is shut off to the leak, and Cascade Natural Gas continues to repair the break. They hope to be finished by around 2 p.m.