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Harlan Today
By the People, for the People
Gasoline Spill in Martins Fork River Contained by Firefighters
Officials investigate source of leak, say public was never in danger
Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:48pm
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The Martins Fork River, shrouded in mist, serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of the natural environment in the face of unexpected hazards.Harlan TodayFirefighters and emergency management workers in Harlan, Kentucky responded to a gasoline spill in the Martins Fork River on Thursday morning. The source of the spill is still under investigation, but crews have contained the leak and are working to clean up the affected area.
Why it matters
Gasoline spills can pose serious environmental and public health risks if not quickly contained, so the quick response by local authorities helped mitigate potential damage to the river and surrounding areas. Identifying the source is also crucial to prevent future incidents.
The details
According to Harlan Fire Chief James Billings, the fire department received a call about a strong gasoline smell behind a local plaza around 8:09 AM. Billings said a large amount of gasoline was coming from a pipe, and the fire department and hazmat teams responded to the scene. They placed booms in the ditch and river to contain the spill and used pads to soak up the gasoline. Officials are investigating whether the leak originated from an old gas station nearby, but the exact source is still unknown.
- The fire department received the initial call about the gasoline spill at 8:09 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
- Crews arrived on the scene and began containment efforts shortly after 9:30 AM.
The players
James Billings
Harlan Fire Chief who responded to the gasoline spill and oversaw containment efforts.
Harlan City Fire Department
The local fire department that responded to the gasoline spill and worked to contain the leak.
Harlan County Emergency Management
The local emergency management agency that assisted the fire department in the response and cleanup efforts.
What they’re saying
“'At 8:09 this morning, I received a phone call of a strong smell of gas behind Huffman & Huffman. I came out and saw that there was a copious mount of gasoline coming out of a big corn pipe.'”
— James Billings, Harlan Fire Chief
“'Now it's just a waiting game and keeping everything contained as much as we can.'”
— James Billings, Harlan Fire Chief
What’s next
Officials will continue investigating the source of the gasoline leak to determine the cause and prevent future incidents. The EPA has also been notified and is expected to assist with the cleanup and monitoring efforts.
The takeaway
This gasoline spill incident highlights the importance of quick emergency response and containment efforts to minimize environmental damage and public health risks. While the source is still under investigation, the coordinated actions of the fire department and emergency management team helped prevent a potentially more serious situation.
