LAPORTE, Colo.—About 75 people have been allowed to return to their homes in LaPorte after utility crews repaired a leak from a high-pressure natural gas pipeline.
The Poudre Fire Authority says the residents were evacuated after the leak was reported at 3:30 a.m. Monday. Many took shelter at a fire station.
Poudre Fire spokesman Patrick Lovelt says Xcel Energy crews stopped the leak about three hours later and residents went home at about 7 a.m.
LoveIt says the pipeline began venting gas because of a malfunction in a valve that may have been caused by extreme cold. He says the line began venting gas to prevent a pressure buildup that could have ruptured the pipeline.
No injuries were reported.
LaPorte is about five miles northwest of Fort Collins.
