After a recent natural gas pipeline explosion, Willow River residents are now being reconnected with temporary natural gas in the short term.
Many customers in the Willow River area experienced natural gas service interruptions because of a pipeline explosion. Minnesota Energy Resources said nearly 200 customers had temporary service restored Saturday morning. As Willow River residents reconnected their heat, they are being advised on keeping thermostats at 60 degrees or lower.
Some local businesses, including the Squirrel Cage Bar and Grill and the Pizza Pub of Sturgeon Lake, have also reopened. There are also told to not use any unnecessary natural gas appliances.
After the loss of natural gas, community members came together to help those without heat. Several members of the Northern Pine Riders Snowmobile Club brought in heaters to help people stay warm overnight. Dean Weske, the snowmobile club president, said many Willow River residents had pink flags to signal they needed help with natural gas.
“Every home that had natural gas, they went and shut the valve off so that when the gas came on it didn’t start feeding into the house. So they knew driving by that that’s a house they had to go to,” Weske said. “We had one in front here then and the gentleman came and from the gas company, and he turned the gas on. We got everything’s back up, and we’re sitting real good here,”
Northern Natural Gas is working with Minnesota Energy Resources to turn on gas meters and relight pilot lights across the city. Weske says during these difficult times it’s important for neighbors to help one another.
“It is a very good community, a close community. People helping people out,” Weske said. “Not everybody was on the natural gas, but those that weren’t we’re still helping the ones that were. That’s what the small town communities do.”
Permanent service for Willow River residents may not be fully restored for several days due to the type of pipeline damage. Northern Natural Gas is investigating the cause of the explosion and coordinating with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The pipeline will not be returned to service until it is safe.
