7:31PM UPDATE:
The evacuation notice has been lifted for residents affected by the minor gas leak in Portland. A voluntary evacuation near Portland’s Sunset Lake Park remains in effect until Sunday.
More repairs are expected tomorrow morning, and officials say it's safe for residents to return to their homes.
12:27 PM 9/20/2025 UPDATE:
The evacuation order related to the September 19 natural gas well site has been expanded to a mandatory evacuation within 1,000 feet of the well site. The site is located in the 200 block of Sunset Drive within Sunset Lake Park.
The evacuation area includes:
• Homes in the 100 and 200 blocks of Causeway Drive
• The 500 block of East Bayview
• The 200 block of Bay view Dr.
• The motel and RV park in the 100 block of U.S. Highway 181
Crews from Sulphur River Exploration, Inc. are continuing to work under Railroad Commission oversight to control the situation. While there is currently only a minor leak, officials are acting out of an abundance of caution due to the potential for a more significant release. Affected residents can evacuate to the Portland Community Center, located at 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Portland Fire Department is asking residents to evacuate portions of southwest Portland after a gas leak.
According to a press release issued by the City of Portland, on Friday evening, crews with Sulphur River Exploration, Inc. were performing routine maintenance at its natural gas well site on the 200 block of Sunset Drive in Sunset Lake Park when a malfunction occurred, leading to a gas leak.
In the meantime, the Portland Fire Department has issued an evacuation order for residents who live within a 750-foot radius of the site.
This includes:
- Homes in the 100 and 200 blocks of Causeway Drive
- Homes in the 500 block of East Bayview
- 300 block of Bay View Boulevard
- The Motel 6 and Portland RV Park in the 100 block of U.S. Highway 181
Meanwhile, crews from Sulphur River Exploration, Inc. are working to stabilize the site and repair the leak.
The Portland Fire Department will be on hand throughout the night performing air monitoring and maintaining surveillance until repairs are complete by noon on Saturday, Sept. 20.
This is a developing story. We will update this article as soon as new information becomes available.
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