Shelter-in-Place and Evacuation Order Lifted Following Natural Gas Leak Near Ramada Comfort Inn in Kill Devil Hills

Kill Devil Hills, NC – A natural gas leak near the Ramada Comfort Inn prompted emergency precautions early Tuesday afternoon, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order and partial evacuation in downtown Kill Devil Hills. Authorities lifted all safety directives later that evening, confirming no injuries and resuming normal community operations.

🔥 What Happened

Around 2:30 p.m., construction crews drilling along U.S. Highway 158 (NC 12) near the Ramada Comfort Inn struck a natural gas main, triggering an immediate leak. First responders from the Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and local police quickly coordinated to secure the area, initiate an orderly response, and issue safety protocols to nearby residents and businesses.

🚨 Emergency Response

Local public safety officials instructed people in the near vicinity to shelter in place while crews assessed the risk and contained the leak. Some buildings within a limited radius of the site were evacuated as a precaution, though no injuries were reported. Piedmont Natural Gas arrived promptly to isolate and repair the ruptured line.

✅ Order Lifted & Road Reopened

By approximately 6:30 p.m., crews had successfully secured and capped the damaged gas line. Authorities lifted the shelter-in-place and any evacuation orders, allowing residents and businesses to resume activity. The adjacent portion of NC 12 was initially closed but later reopened as safety checks cleared the route.

📌 Key Details

Location: Near Ramada Comfort Inn, NC 12 / NC Highway 158, Kill Devil Hills
Time of Incident: ~2:30 p.m., February 25, 2025
Initial Response: Emergency shelter-in-place and limited evacuation
Repair Time: Gas leak contained and sealed by ~6:30 p.m.
Impact: No injuries; localized road closure; normal operations resumed

🧯 Safety Protocols Employed

The swift response by first responders prevented what could have become a much more serious incident. Safety measures enforced during the crisis included:

Alerting local residents via Wireless Emergency Alerts and public broadcasts
Coordinating shelter-in-place measures with Fire and Police departments
Isolating the damaged pipeline and conducting checks to eliminate residual hazards
Restricting traffic on affected sections of NC 12 during active repairs

Authorities reminded the public that no injuries occurred, thanks to effective coordination and rapid containment efforts.

📲 Ongoing Preparedness & Public Awareness

The town of Kill Devil Hills and Dare County frequently emphasize emergency readiness. Residents are encouraged to:

Enroll in local alert systems (e.g. OBXAlerts.com) to receive timely notifications
Keep mobile alerts such as Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) active
Prepare emergency go-kits with essentials for at least 72 hours
Know evacuation zones, especially for events involving natural or infrastructural hazards
Stay informed via official channels including town websites and emergency services

🧠 Reflections on Community Safety

This incident serves as a strong reminder of the importance of vigilance during utility work. While the occurrence was dramatic, the outcome was thankfully non-catastrophic, reflective of well-drilled procedures and proactive communication.

Local authorities reinforced a message of continued focus on safety protocols, especially in areas where water-based weather systems and aging infrastructure intersect. Residents and visitors alike were reminded to heed official guidance and report any signs of gas or utility disruptions immediately.

🕊️ Conclusion

The response to the natural gas leak near the Ramada Comfort Inn demonstrates effective crisis coordination across public safety and utility teams. With no injuries, limited disruption, and early lifting of precautionary orders, the situation highlights the value of preparedness and responsiveness.

If you’d like assistance drafting a media advisory, community update, or informational briefing regarding this matter, I’d be glad to help.

Shelter-in-Place and Evacuation Order Lifted Following Natural Gas Leak Near Ramada Comfort Inn in Kill Devil Hills