New Viroqua apartment complex evacuated due to gas leak from damaged line

Aug. 8, 2025

VIROQUA, Wis. – The Viroqua Fire Department reports that the nearly completed apartment complex at the corner of Main and West Broadway Streets had to be evacuated for a short time on Thursday because of a gas line that was damaged during construction.

A Viroqua Fire Department Report states that on Thursday, Aug. 7 the department was dispatched to 602 N. Main Street in the City of Viroqua for a report of a natural gas leak at around 4:05 p.m. Upon arrival, a strong odor of natural gas was present outside and was leaking
from the ground on the north end of the building. The gas line that services the apartment complex was damaged due to equipment digging in the area.

Members from the Viroqua Fire Department and Viroqua Police Department evacuated the
apartment building and the adjacent building as a precautionary measure. The interior of the
building was monitored with a gas detector for any presence of gas. No gas was detected inside the building.

Madison Gas and Electric was requested to respond to mitigate the leak. Once Madison Gas and
Electric arrived, they were able to turn off the gas and repaired the damaged line.

The department cleared at approximately 4:58 p.m.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters. Assisting Departments: Viroqua Police Department, Vernon County Sheriff’s Department, and Madison Gas and Electric.