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Ron Wakefield of Atmos Energy repairs a gas leak Monday at a house at East Seventh Avenue and College Drive. Wakefield said the leak was caused by falling ice from the roof. Another gas leak on Main Avenue closed Randy’s Restaurant and Cuckoo’s Chicken House and Waterin’ Hole.
Snow caused two gas leaks Monday night, one closing Randy's Restaurant and Cuckoo's Chicken House and Waterin' Hole.
Shortly after 7 p.m., two Durango Fire & Rescue Authority engines and two rescue units responded to a caller who noticed the smell of natural gas near the 600 block of Main Avenue. Crews with DFRA scoured the area near the Abbey Theatre, checking in buildings and then combing roofs until the leak was found on a 1-inch main above Cuckoo's, about 45 minutes after rescuers started searching.
Managers at Cuckoo's and Randy's were asked to close for the evening. Diners in both restaurants were allowed to finish their meals and leave on their own. With gas shut off, the establishments wouldn't have been able to cook food anyway, said DFRA Battalion Chief Tony Harwig.
The Abbey Theatre, which shares a building with Cuckoo's and Randy's, was empty at the time of the gas leak.
The leak likely was caused by 3 feet of ice and snow on Cuckoo's roof, said Harwig, who added that a formal investigation hadn't taken place. Because gas rises after it escapes, diners and staff members downstairs had no idea there was a leak, he said.
A city inspector will reinspect the main this morning before either business is allowed to reopen.
Shortly after the leak was discovered, a gas line outside a home at the corner of College Drive and East Seventh Avenue was hit by falling ice, causing it to spew gas.
Atmos Energy was on scene at both calls.
gandrews@durangoherald.com