Kent County, September 17, 2025
News Summary
A significant gas leak in Plainfield Township, Kent County, resulted in evacuations and emergency response efforts. The incident, caused by contractors accidentally striking a gas line, prompted authorities to close nearby roads and issue a shelter-in-place order for local schools. Emergency services managed to cap the leak quickly, ensuring safety for residents. No injuries were reported, and door-to-door checks were announced to verify gas meter safety in the area.
Gas Leak in Kent County Prompted Evacuations, Capped by DTE Energy Workers
A large gas leak was reported in Kent County, Michigan, specifically in Plainfield Township, on Tuesday, September 16, prompting evacuations and a coordinated response from emergency services. The leak was discovered after a gas line ruptured around 8:20 a.m. in the vicinity of Five Mile Road NE and Plainfield Avenue.
Firefighters from the local fire station were the first to respond to the incident. The rupture’s suspected cause was contractors working in the area who inadvertently struck the gas line while conducting their work. In response to the situation, an evacuation order was issued for businesses within a half-mile radius of the leak, significantly impacting the Kent District Library’s Plainfield branch.
Evacuation Details and Road Closures
The initial evacuation area included:
- Plainfield Avenue from Airway Street south to Northville Drive
- East to SawKaw Drive and west to the former North Kent Mall
As a precaution, roads were closed in the affected area, including:
- Plainfield Avenue between Coit and Jupiter Avenues
- Five Mile Road from Plainfield to East Beltline Avenue
In addition, Northview High School and North Oakview Elementary ordered students and staff to shelter in place while emergency crews worked on the scene. Kent County sheriff’s deputies were on site to advise nearby residents to avoid the area.
Emergency Response and Resolution
The response included assistance from state police and Rockford police, who helped block off streets around the incident. DTE Energy workers were actively engaged at the scene to cap the leak. By 11 a.m., emergency services successfully shut off the flow of gas to the damaged pipe, leading to the lifting of the shelter-in-place order.
Following these developments, Plainfield Avenue has reopened to traffic, but the service drive near where the gas line was struck remains closed as a precautionary measure. DTE Energy also announced that door-to-door checks will be conducted to ensure all gas meters are functioning correctly and to ascertain that no elevated gas levels are present in nearby buildings.
Safety Advisory
Residents in the area are advised to remain vigilant. If anyone detects a gas smell inside their buildings, they are instructed to call DTE’s gas leak hotline at (800) 947-5000. Notably, no injuries have been reported in connection with this gas leak incident.
Background Context
Gas leaks can pose severe risks, including explosions and asphyxiation, which necessitate swift action from emergency services. The recent incident in Kent County highlights the importance of prompt response protocols and community awareness regarding gas safety. Emergency agencies continually emphasize the need for proper construction protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
FAQ Section
What caused the gas leak in Kent County?
The gas leak was caused by contractors who struck the gas line while working in the area.
What areas were evacuated due to the gas leak?
An evacuation was ordered for businesses within a half-mile radius of the leak, affecting over a dozen businesses and the local library.
Have there been any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries have been reported as a result of the gas leak incident.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MLive: Large Gas Leak in Kent County
- Wikipedia: Gas Leak
- WOOD TV: Crews Respond to Gas Leak
- Google Search: Gas Leak Kent County
- WWMT: Plainfield Avenue Gas Leak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Gas
- FOX 17: Gas Leak Response in Northview
- Google News: Gas Leak Kent County
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
