What should I do if I smell natural gas?

Evacuate immediately, avoid using electrical switches, call 9-1-1 from a safe location, and then notify the utility or emergency services as instructed by first responders.

How do I report a downed power line or outage?

Report downed lines or outages via the Fort Collins Utilities outage and emergency reporting page or by calling the utilities emergency line; outages and hazards reported through the citys official channels will be routed for immediate response.

Will I be fined for reporting a hazard?

Reporting a hazard is not a violation; fines apply to those responsible for violations of code or unsafe actions. Specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited pages and depend on the ordinance or code section applied.

Report Electric or Gas Safety Concerns - Fort Collins

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026

In Fort Collins, Colorado, report electric or gas safety concerns immediately to reduce risk to people and property. This guide explains who enforces safety rules, how to report emergencies and non-emergencies, likely enforcement actions, and how to appeal decisions under Fort Collins city authorities. Follow the steps below for safe, documented reporting and to ensure the correct municipal or utility team responds.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for electric and gas safety issues in Fort Collins is handled primarily by the utility operator and by city code enforcement or the fire authority for public-safety hazards. For immediate life-or-safety threats, call 9-1-1 first. For utility outages or hazards reported to the Citys utility group, use the official outage and emergency reporting channels listed below.^[1] For legal standards and code authority, see the Fort Collins municipal code.^[2]

Report dangerous conditions right away; do not assume someone else has reported them.

Fines: specific monetary penalties for utility-safety violations are not specified on the cited municipal pages; penalties depend on the ordinance or code section applied and may be set in the municipal code or utility rules.
Escalation: first, corrective orders or emergency repairs; repeated or continuing violations may lead to additional administrative action or criminal enforcement where authorized; exact escalation schedules are not specified on the cited pages.
Non-monetary sanctions: repair orders, disconnection of service, seizure of hazardous materials, injunctions, and court actions are possible depending on the hazard and code invoked.
Enforcers and complaint pathways: Fort Collins Utilities for utility-owned infrastructure, Code Compliance for municipal code violations, and the Poudre Fire Authority for fire and imminent-safety hazards; use official reporting/contact pages in Resources below to submit complaints and request inspections.^[1]
Appeals and review: remedies and appeal routes are governed by the municipal code or specific utility rules; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed on the ordinance or utility rule cited in a written enforcement notice.

Applications & Forms

No special permit is generally required to report a safety concern. For emergencies, call 9-1-1. For utility hazards and outages, use Fort Collins Utilities outage reporting tools or customer service; the city does not publish a separate "gas-safety" form on the cited pages. For code enforcement actions, any required application or appeal form will be identified in the enforcement notice or the municipal code cited by the enforcing department.^[1]

How to report a gas or electric safety concern

Immediate danger (smell of gas, sparks, fire, arcing): evacuate the area, call 9-1-1, then notify the utility or emergency services.
Non-immediate hazards (damaged poles, downed wires, suspected leaks without flames): contact Fort Collins Utilities via the outage/emergency reporting page or customer service to request inspection.^[1]
Document the hazard: take photos, note time and location, and keep records of any communications with utility or city staff for appeals or follow-up.
If you receive an enforcement notice, follow required corrective actions and note deadlines; contact the issuing department listed in the notice to request review or appeal information.

If you smell gas, avoid using phones or switches inside the property and evacuate immediately.

FAQ

What should I do if I smell natural gas?: Evacuate immediately, avoid using electrical switches, call 9-1-1 from a safe location, and then notify the utility or emergency services as instructed by first responders.
How do I report a downed power line or outage?: Report downed lines or outages via the Fort Collins Utilities outage and emergency reporting page or by calling the utilities emergency line; outages and hazards reported through the citys official channels will be routed for immediate response.^[1]
Will I be fined for reporting a hazard?: Reporting a hazard is not a violation; fines apply to those responsible for violations of code or unsafe actions. Specific fine amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited pages and depend on the ordinance or code section applied.

How-To

Assess safety: if there is immediate risk, evacuate and call 9-1-1 now.
Contact the utility via the official outage or emergency reporting page or number to report the issue and request inspection.^[1]
Record the report reference, take photos if safe, and follow any instructions from responders or utility staff.
If you receive an enforcement notice, read it carefully for deadlines and appeal instructions and contact the issuing department for questions.

Key Takeaways

For immediate danger, always call 9-1-1 first and evacuate.
Report outages and hazards through Fort Collins Utilities official channels for fastest response.^[1]
Keep documentation of reports and communications for appeals or follow-up.