Los Angeles: Authorities in Las Vegas have urged calm as fuel pipelines affected by California wildfires are expected to resume operation.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary driving and refrain from hoarding fuel during the temporary disruption.
Pipeline operator Kinder Morgan Inc. confirmed the shutdown of its SFPP West and CALNEV systems on Wednesday. These pipelines supply gasoline and diesel from California to Nevada and other western U.S. states. The closure was a precautionary measure due to wildfires impacting critical infrastructure.
Clark County officials announced Thursday evening that power to the southern Nevada pipeline system had been restored. Officials expect fuel flow to resume by Friday, alleviating the current supply concerns.
In a public statement, the county advised against panic-buying at gas stations, reassuring residents of an imminent solution. Local authorities also asked Las Vegas drivers to minimize unnecessary trips while the pipelines return to full operation.
The CALNEV pipeline transports fuel to Las Vegas from Colton, California, while the SFPP West system supplies Phoenix, Arizona. These vital links are central to maintaining fuel supplies for the region, making their temporary closure significant.
Las Vegas officials warned residents earlier about possible disruptions, urging conservation of fuel during this critical period. While gas stations remain operational, the advice seeks to reduce strain until the pipeline system normalizes.
California’s ongoing wildfires have heightened awareness of the interconnected energy infrastructure across state lines. Officials from both California and Nevada coordinated closely to restore fuel delivery systems.
Public response in Las Vegas has so far been cooperative, with gas station lines remaining manageable. However, officials emphasized that panic could create avoidable shortages.
Nevada authorities worked swiftly with Kinder Morgan to restore power access for the pipelines. Their efforts underscore the critical importance of infrastructure resilience during natural disasters.
Authorities will closely monitor the situation as the pipelines resume normal operations on Friday. Clark County expressed confidence in their mitigation measures but asked the public to remain patient.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of critical systems like pipelines to unexpected events. Regional efforts aim to prevent future disruptions while maintaining supply stability.
Residents can stay updated through official channels, which will provide timely announcements as fuel flows stabilize. Cooperation remains crucial for managing temporary challenges.
