Emergency crews in Jackson County evacuated people in the area of Business 129 near Blackstock Road Friday night, the result of what officials called a "major" natural gas leak.
During the approximately hour-long ordeal, Jackson County Emergency Service crews transported a patient from the area who was having breathing issues, according to a news release.
The 8:00 p.m. response was the first of two natural gas-related situations that disrupted Friday night activities for some people in the region.
"Upon arrival units found a major gas leak at a substation near the Jefferson Fire Department Station 2. Gas company officials were requested and an area of approximately half a mile was evacuated for safety," Jackson County Emergency Services Director Steve Nichols wrote in the release.
The county used its mass notification system to notify residents of the evacuation. A church in the area was used as a temporary shelter for evacuees, according to Nichols.
He said an Atlanta Gas Light crew secured the leak. Residents were returned to their homes at 9:00 p.m.
In his 12:00 a.m. statement Saturday, Nichols said permanent repairs were underway, but all roads were open.
Hall County Fire Services crews also responded to a natural gas leak Friday night. It was in the south end of the county in the area of Friendship and Spout Springs roads.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/9/441663/first-responders-major-natural-gas-leak-friday-resulted-in-hour-long-evacuation-in-part-of-jefferson