Several homes on Newport Beach’s Balboa Peninsula were under evacuation orders today, Oct. 23, due to a leak of methane gas believed to have been caused by oil seeping from an abandoned well beneath one of the affected properties.

It was unclear exactly how many homes were affected by the emergency evacuation order in the 3600 block of Marcus Avenue.

According to the city, a local emergency was declared on Wednesday due to the methane leak believed to have been caused by the well beneath the home at 3606 Marcus Ave. City officials were preparing today to vent gas that may have accumulated inside that home.

“Our top priority is the safety of residents and our neighborhoods,” City Manager Grace Leung said in a statement. “We are taking swift action to protect the public while closely asse

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