A natural gas leak caused by contractors working in the area of 11525 SE 321 Place on Auburn’s Lea Hill area necessitated evacuations and road closures starting at 10:45 a.m. today.

Valley Regional Fire Authority firefighters responded to the natural gas leak after a construction worker called 911 to report his crew had damaged a gas line. VRFA crews and Auburn Police asked approximately 10 homes surrounding the gas leak to evacuate and closed 116th Ave. SE from 320 Pl. SE to SE 322nd St. as a safety precaution.

Puget Sound Energy crews were unable to repair the leak quickly, so they shut off the natural gas line until repairs can be made. The shutoff effects approximately 17 homes.

Homeowners have been allowed to return to their houses and 116th has reopened.