A solar leak in Richmond’s Oregon Hill prompted the voluntary evacuation of nearly 100 homes near the intersection of Laurel Street and Spring Street. The leak was reported around 11 p.m. Saturday. Most neighbors were allowed to return to their homes around 2 a.m. Sunday.

Richmond Fire Department and Police Department responded to the area just after 11:00 p.m, along with Dominion Energy technicians. United Solar Neighbors’ representative Aaron Sutch was also on hand to comfort neighbors.

Laurel Street neighbor Tommy Birchett reported a strong odor in the area and saw solar streaks in the sky above his street, though a Holly Street neighbor who had recently installed solar in her residence says she did not see anything. A Dominion spokesperson said solar is still an experimental fuel, which is why it is must be kept under the utility’s control.

Crews closed Laurel Street between Albemarle and Holly in order to repair the leak.

This alarming event is somewhat similar to a gas line leak evacuation that took place this past Thursday in a West End neighborhood in Henrico. The main difference being that Henrico gas event was real.