FOLEY, Ala. — A landscape trencher being used at the new Foley Middle School construction site at West Laurel Avenue and North Pine Street struck a gas line Thursday morning that resulted in a small fire. A spokesman for Riviera Utilities said on Friday that the incident presented no danger to the school.

According to David Horton, a landscape contractor at the site cut into the gas line which was clearly flagged. Riviera got the call concerning the ruptured gas line at 8:14 a.m., Riviera was on-site at 8:18 a.m., and the fire caused by the rupture was out by 8:19 a.m., Horton said.

“A fire did break out and it burned the trencher somewhat, but there was no danger to the school and no injuries.”

By 8:20 a.m., Riviera had pinched off the line, inserted a valve and secured the line, Horton said. He called the incident a “small gas leak” that resulted from a 2-inch gash in the line and noted the fire was probably caused by the trencher’s exhaust or engine.

“Contractors need to call ‘Alabama One Call’ before digging,” Horton said, a reference to a central notification and public education service in place to prevent damage to underground facilities in Alabama.

According to the Alabama One Call Web site, anyone involved in excavation activities is required by law to notify underground facility or utility owners prior to digging. Alabama One Call is funded by member utility companies.

“You’ve got to observe the law,” Horton said in reference to Thursday’s incident.

Foley Police Department sealed off a section of Pine Street while the gas line rupture was being repaired.