Evacuations were ordered and the 101 Freeway was temporarily shut down after a major gas leak in the Newbury Park area of Ventura County was reported just after 10 a.m.
The Ventura County Fire Department said hazardous materials units were responding to the natural gas leak near Newbury and Haigh roads, apparently in front of a dive bar called Akrey's Tavern that apparently had recently closed (map). The Gas Co. was also on scene.
Evacuations were lifted and residents were allowed to go back in about 2:30 p.m.
Just after noon, Ventura County Fire Capt. Mike Lindberry said utility officials were trying to determine where to turn off the flow of gas, which he said was considerable.
"Our main concern is isolating the area from any potential ignition source. We have quite a bit of gas product coming out of that line right now," Linberry said.
The most potential hazard was in the immediate area of the leak, he said.
Workers in protective gear appeared to be investigating an area near a collection of mobile homes that had been torn down, leaving only their foundations, aerial video showed. The workers were digging into a narrow well-type structure in the ground in front of the shuttered bar.
Evacuations had been in effect from Lynn Road to Ventu Park and the 101 Freeway. Ten people had been evacuated to a temporary shelter at the La Quinta Inn; most other residents were being advised to remain indoors and shelter in place.
California Highway Patrol officials said the 101 Freeway was temporarily closed -- southbound lanes at Ventu Park Road and northbound lanes at Lynn Road.
The freeway was reopened just after 11:15 a.m. after firefighters "evaluated the risk," according to the fire department.
Several surface roads were closed in the area.