By Melissa Eiselein
The Press Enterprise
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — About 20 Cal Fire members from four Moreno Valley fire stations and March Air Reserve Base watched employees of The Gas Company on Tuesday demonstrate the newest techniques for repairing a natural gas line.
The presentation is designed to increase Moreno Valley firefighters’ awareness of natural gas and increase their confidence level in working with The Gas Company, said Moreno Valley Mayor Bill Batey.
“It only takes one time. If you’ve not given (natural gas) the respect it deserves, it comes back to bite you,” said Batey, who is a captain with the Riverside Fire Department.
Rick Ramirez, a technician with The Gas Company, began the 2-hour training session at Fire Station 58 in Moreno Valley with a lecture on the properties of natural gas and how it differs from other gas types including propane and octane.
Then, Ramirez showed firefighters equipment used to detect the source of a gas leak and explained how The Gas Company and firefighters could work together in an emergency situation.
Firefighters are usually the first responders to a gas leak, since they often have several stations in a city. Employees from The Gas Company are not far behind, Ramirez said.
If a leak is suspected, representatives from The Gas Company will arrive within 45 minutes, 30 minutes if the call comes in during regular business hours, Ramirez said.
The Gas Company technician Joe Doak wrapped up the training session with a demonstration of the tools he uses in the field. He showed firefighters how he cuts the heavy plastic pipe buried underground. Then, he demonstrated the quick-connect technique used to replace a broken section of pipe.
Firefighter David Ruiz of Station 2 said he was impressed with the presentation, especially The Gas Company’s expected response time.
He also learned something new. Instead of automatically shutting off the gas meter during a suspected leak, he will now check the meter before making a decision to turn it off or leave it on, he said.
The Gas Company does not recommend shutting off the meter after an earthquake or other emergency unless there are signs of a gas leak, said Mario Esquivel, supervisor with The Gas Company.
If it is necessary to turn off a meter, The Gas Company should be called to turn it back on and reignite pilot lights in stoves, driers and water heaters, Esquivel said.