Girl's persistence recognized

Thursday was a big day for Keira Gray, a 12-year-old from Carson City and in the sixth grade at Carson Middle School.

Keira's family watched as she was recognized by the Board of Supervisors for bringing attention to a life-threatening natural gas leak in their neighborhood.

Donna Gray said her daughter's persistence is what finally prodded her to contact authorities.

"I should have listened sooner," Donna said.

She told the supervisors about how her daughter wouldn't stop pointing out bubbles coming up out of the street the night of Dec. 26, while a heavy rainstorm was moving through the area. A two-inch, natural-gas pipe that had broken below ground and caused gas to rise through the asphalt in the intersection of Elaine Street and Willard Lane.

The certificate of recognition from the supervisors highlights Keira's "persistence in reporting the natural gas leak in your neighborhood. We are proud to acknowledge and honor you as an outstanding citizen of this community."

Keira's also being nominated for an award from the American Red Cross. The organization's Northern Nevada Chapter will give out its Real Heroes 2007 award in March.

"She's a kid," Donna said. "This makes it all the more exciting."

People need to act immediately and call 911 or Southwest Gas when they believe a natural gas leak might be happening.

The gas spreads through large areas, and can be explosive if it reaches an ignition source. It also deprives oxygen. The tell-tale rotten egg smell of natural gas is an additive that makes it easier for people to detect its presence, according to the Carson City Fire Department.