Gas release at natural gas pipeline hub causes evacuations

photo submitted

Shortly after 11 p.m., Thursday, December 25, 2025, the Beechwood Fire Department in southwest Sheboygan County was dispatched to a call of pressure relief valves releasing natural gas at the ANR Pipeline Company at W8715 Tower Drive.

ANR Pipeline Company is a natural gas transmission company based in southwest Sheboygan County. The company specializes in transporting and delivering natural gas to various regions across the United States.

Upon arrivals, crews were faced with multiple vertical pipes with natural gas coming out at a very fast rate, creating a loud roar that could be heard miles away.

Firefighters immediately began evacuating the area with a cellphone push alert going out to a one mile radius around the facility. Residents were told they could evacuate to the Beechwood Fire Department.

Because of the scope of the evacuation, a MABAS call went out bringing in fire departments from surrounding communities to assist. In addition, multiple ambulances from as far away as Sheboygan and West Bend were called as well.

A strong southeast wind around 15 miles per hour transported gas west where residents in the Dundee area were able to smell the gas. The roar was also reported as far away as seven miles from the source.

Around midnight, technicians from the facility arrived and they were able to get the gas shut off minutes later. Firefighters were than tasked with checking local homes to make sure gas had not built up in the homes nearby.

The all clear was given shortly after 1 a.m. to allow evacuated residents to return to their homes.