Avondale police say an elderly couple severely burned after a gas line explosion are still in serious condition.
Firefighters were called out to an explosion and house fire on Saturday morning. The fire spread to three other homes.
Police said an uncapped gas line was the cause of the fire. ABC15 contacted Southwest Gas to find out how something like this could happen.
Officials with Southwest Gas said, safety starts with the homeowner. The company will feed the gas up to the meter outside your home, once it gets into the lines connected to your appliances, it is your responsibility to maintain them.
Police are still trying to figure out why the couple's line was uncapped. They have not been able to talk to the couple yet. Firefighters said gas leaks and uncapped lines are extremely dangerous.
Ben Avitia, a spokesman for Avondale Fire said leaking lines could be deadly for homeowners, firefighters, and all of your neighbors.
"Once the gas line is still active, it's a gas fed fire. That fuel source is still there," said Avitia.
Brian McQuistion, the owner of Plumbing Masters and a licensed gas fitter said his company is getting a lot of calls for home safety inspections and estimates.
"It's not something you play around with. Not something you want to tackle yourself, not a DYI project. It's something you want professionals to do," said McQuistion.
He added that old valves and flex lines were usually the cause of most gas leaks.
Southwest Gas officials said the first thing that you will notice if you have a gas leak is the smell. While as is an odorless substance, they add a chemical to it that gives it a distinct smell.
"It gives a sulfur, rotten egg smell. It's the very first sign. You have to remove yourself from there if you smell it," said Avitia.
The second thing was the sound. A hissing noise coming from the lines. You may also see dust or debris blowing in your yard, if a leaking line is under it. Other signs to watch for were dead vegetation in the area, or standing water that was bubbling.
For more information on leaky gas lines you can go to the Southwest Gas website.
Avondale police said they have responded to about 55 gas leak in the last year and a half.
