Multiple fires were reported last Tuesday afternoon in BattleCreek, MI, as an “incident” at Semco’s Battle Creek gas systemresulted in two destroyed homes and extensive residential damage.Two people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, Semcosaid. One report said the incident occurred when a high-pressureline was mistakenly connected to a low-pressure residential line.

Preliminary investigations indicate the problem, which causedresidential pilot lights to increase, occurred due to a combinationof human error and an error in the map of a distribution line. Asof the end of the day Thursday, Semco had checked out 25 of the 39fire claims. Besides the two homes that were destroyed, 14 had nodamage, six had damage to their furnaces and three had damage totheir furnaces and water heaters.

Company personnel turned off gas supply to 1,000 homes after theincident. Semco said it will be three days before total service isrestored. Affected customers have been advised to contact theirinsurance company to work with Semco claims representatives ondamage repairs. The investigation is continuing.

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