Gas leak Causes Evacuation in Red Cliff; Lightning to Blame
Bayfield County authorities say dozens of homeowners in Red Cliff, Wis., are being evacuated because of a gas leak, which happened after lightning struck a tree near a pipeline.
The smell of gas was reported shortly after the strike around 12:30 p.m.
Highway 13 just north of Bayfield has been shut down. All highway traffic is being rerouted along County Highway J and Turner Road.
No travel is being allowed on Highway 13 between Gordon and Blueberry roads.
FOX 21's Jacob Kittilstad says 100 residents who have been evacuated are either finding shelter at the casino or Youth Center on Bishop Loop Road.
Xcel Energy crews are working on repairs. They project the gas to be restored in at least two hours. But authorities tell FOX 21 they can't work on the issue until rain stop because they are concerned about over-hanging powerlines sparking and ignited the gas.
FOX 21 will have the latest on the news at 6 p.m.
