Photo Courtesy of Joe Bates
Aug 25, 2026, 5:56 PM CT
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Homes were evacuated Tuesday after a natural gas liquids leak occurred during work on Enbridge’s Line 5 near Saxon.
According to a post from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, around 10 a.m., an unoccupied semi-truck rolled into an open excavation site near Sitan Road and struck the pipeline, resulting in the release of natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources clarified that the vehicle struck a natural gas transmission line, not the line carrying crude oil.
“The material released is in gas form, no longer under pressure in the line,” a DNR spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the amount released into the air is still being calculated. The line was shut down to prevent any further release, and repairs are planned.
No injuries have been reported. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution, while local emergency crews and hazmat teams responded. Environmental consulting firm Stantec is also on site conducting air monitoring.
Sitan Road is closed until further notice, and a temporary no-fly zone has been established. Power was also shut off in the area because of safety concerns.
Natural gas liquids, or NGLs, are hydrocarbons including ethane, propane, butane, isobutane and natural gasoline that are separated from natural gas during processing. They’re used as fuels and to make products such as plastics, medical supplies, electronics, clothing and fertilizers.
The DNR says Enbridge reported the release to the National Response Center at 11:02 a.m. and the DNR spills hotline at 11:15 a.m.
Maddie Schaffer is a reporter at WBZH and WHSM, covering the Hayward area and surrounding areas in the Northwoods. Email her at maddie.schaffer@civicmedia.us.
