Atmos Energy Corp. workers were already investigating house fires related to possible natural gas leaks less than a day before a fatal explosion occurred in Dallas, the Associated Press reported March 10, citing emails to Texas regulators from the utility.
The two house fires happened Feb. 21 and 22, after which Atmos said its crews are "continuing to monitor the surrounding area for potential leaks and will make repairs as needed," according to emails between Atmos officials and the state's pipeline safety regulator, Texas Railroad Commission. The Feb. 23 explosion near the Dallas Love Field airport damaged a house and killed a 12-year-old girl.
After the explosion, Atmos shut off gas to 2,800 homes to replace all gas meters and distribution and service lines in the area. Atmos also conducted system leak surveys and discovered more gas leaks, with some resulting in evacuations. According to the email exchanges, Atmos detected at least 28 gas leaks in the neighborhood.
