(Harlan, Iowa) – Officials with the Harlan Fire Department say firefighters and other emergency personnel were dispatched at 11:34-a.m.  Friday (today) for a large gas leak within the city of Harlan. Upon arrival, a very large leak was discovered. Harlan Municipal Utilities (HMU) crews were already on scene when fire personnel arrived.

Fire crews began evacuating the area. Avoca and Westphalia were dispatched for assistance with gas monitoring and evacuation. Fire fighters were tasked with having a charged hand line on the HMU employees and monitoring the air within several buildings to verify that there was no danger of gas within the building.

Photo from the Harlan Fire and Rescue Facebook page,

The “all clear” was given at approximately 4:45-p.m. Harlan Fire thanks HMU for their swift response to mitigate the situation. Thanks went out also, to the Avoca and Westphalia Fire Departments, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and EMA for their assistance.

Citizens and businesses in the affected are of Harlan were thanked also, for complying with the mandatory evacuation.