Aurora interim fire chief details response after construction‑damaged gas main near Copley Hospital
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Summary
Interim Fire Chief Kevin Nickel described a Jan. 21 construction‑damaged gas line near Copley Hospital that prompted targeted evacuations, mutual‑aid hazmat response and an overnight repair process; aldermen pressed for improved advance communication with affected neighborhoods.
Interim Fire Chief Kevin Nickel told the Aurora City Council that crews responded to a construction‑damaged gas supply line on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Wolcott and Waterford near Copley Hospital and worked through the night to stabilize the scene.
"It was on Wednesday, January 21, at Wolcott And Waterford over by Copley Hospital," Nickel said, describing how an auger struck a five‑inch supply line and forced immediate evacuation of nearby apartments, businesses and some health‑care facilities.
Nickel said engine and hazmat crews monitored atmospheric readings and used wind‑direction data to determine which buildings to evacuate. He said responders estimated an initial eight‑hour effort for a bypass to stop the leak, with roughly four additional hours required to complete repairs. Mutual‑aid partners — including King County units, hospital security and the Red Cross — provided support, and the city set up a warming shelter at the HealthPlex for displaced residents.
Alderman Smith raised questions about pre‑dig notifications and neighborhood outreach. "Did they contact Julie before they put that sign in the ground?" Smith asked, referring to the utility‑locating process. Nickel replied that locators had been contacted but acknowledged confusion about marking and that communication to affected aldermen and neighborhoods could have been better.
Council members said social media amplified residents' concerns during the incident and praised Copley Hospital for offering security and a warming shelter. Nickel said the department will complete an after‑action review with stakeholders and committed to improving direct notice to ward aldermen and residents.
The report closed with operational details the chief said mattered during the response: rotating crews, use of a mobile command center, coordination with the property manager on resident notifications, and a Nightcor representative who remained on site overnight to relight pilot lights. The council did not take formal action on the report; Nickel said an after‑action meeting with stakeholders is scheduled for Thursday.