Two engine companies responded to a leaking 3" gas line cut by workers. On arrival engine companies began evacuation of homes in close proximity of the leak. Gas company workers began digging a hole 100 feet up wind of the leak. They planned to hot tape the pipe to install a valve to abate the leak. Without coordination, the gas company began welding with tape on to the steel pipe only one crew member was close enough to see the operation all other members were still evacuating the area. During this hazardous operation only one firefighter was standing by with full PPE. Gas Co. employees explained that if while welding they blew through the pipe a large explosion would occur. Command and the fire dept were not informed of the hazards, had not coordinated with the gas company which put members of the gas company and the fire dept at risk. Fortunately the hot tape operation went well but if the pipe had failed this could have cost the lives of approximately 8 people both from the fire dept and the gas company. The gas company supervisors and the incident commander are changing SOPs for both organizations. Additional training is planned

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