Drexel, NC – November 20, 2025 — A ruptured gas line in the area of 100 Reed Street in Drexel prompted a coordinated emergency response this afternoon following a 911 call received by Burke County Emergency Communications at 1:51 PM.
The call came from a construction company working in the area, reporting they had accidentally ruptured a 4-inch natural gas main. Emergency personnel from the Drexel Fire Department, Burke County Fire Marshal’s Office, Burke County Emergency Management, Drexel Police Department, and Piedmont Natural Gas were immediately dispatched to the scene. Drexel Police requested the Valdese Police Department to respond and assist with public notification.
Upon arrival, the first due engine company from the Drexel Fire Department confirmed an active gas leak from the damaged main. Due to the potential risk to nearby residents and businesses, Burke County Emergency Management issued a shelter-in-place order for a ¼-mile radius surrounding the leak site.
At 3:15 PM, crews from Piedmont Natural Gas successfully cut off gas service to the main, stopping the active leak. As of 3:19 PM, the shelter-in-place order was officially rescinded, though emergency management and utility crews remain on scene for ongoing safety and repair operations.
There is currently no estimate for the complete restoration of natural gas services to affected customers in the area. Piedmont Natural Gas will remain on-site until all repairs are completed and service is safely restored.
The Burke County Fire Marshals Office, the Drexel Fire Department, and Burke County Emergency Management wish to thank the public for their cooperation during this incident and for promptly complying with the temporary shelter-in-place directive. These actions were vital to ensuring community safety.
For continued updates, residents are encouraged to monitor official Burke County and Piedmont Natural Gas communication channels.