CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you see flames shooting into the sky near Spruce Street and Interstate 77 just outside Uptown Charlotte, there is no need to call 911, the Charlotte Fire Department said Friday. Piedmont Natural Gas is conducting work called "gas flaring."
The work began Thursday and will continue through July 25 weather permitting.
"The maintenance involves a process called 'flaring'," Piedmont Natural Gas said in a released statement. "Excess natural gas used to propel an inspection device through the pipeline is released and burned off."
Flaring produces a tall flame that can be seen from a distance, as well as a loud noise and possibly a whistling sound.
The Charlotte Fire Department tweeted Friday that if you see or hear this operation, everything is fine and there is no need to call 911.