PARIS, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Residents near Horizon Health in Paris were temporarily evacuated after a propane leak was detected nearby.
According to Horizon Health, the leak was found just after 3 p.m. Thursday on the north edge of Horizon Health’s main campus in Paris, Illinois.
Once reported, the Edgar County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency notified residents within a half mile of the campus not to start any recreational fires or use their grills at the time. Some residents closest to the leak, on Beverly Drive, Janice Avenue, and Eads Avenue were eventually asked to evacuate, being allowed to return to their homes at 8:50 p.m.
According to Horizon Health, Twin Lakes Rehab and Healthcare had to evacuate 29 residents, who were then taken to other area nursing homes.
The propane company was brought in to remove the remaining propane from the tank before the Paris Fire Department was tasked with using a controlled burn to finish off the remaining fuel. The controlled burn began in the early morning hours Friday and continued into the afternoon.
Rehab appointments were also canceled for the day due to the situation.
Horizon Health told MyWabashValley.com the following;
Just after 3 pm Thursday, September 15, a propane leak was identified at the north edge of Horizon Health’s main campus in Paris, Illinois. The Paris Fire Department was notified immediately and continues to lead the response.
No one was injured and the cause of the leak is still being investigated. As of this morning, the Horizon Health campus remains safe and operational.
The Paris Fire Department is currently conducting a controlled burn to eliminate remaining propane gas in the area. Updates are being released on our Facebook page.
Mike Harrison, Horizon Health PR/Marketing Associate
