SOUTH FORSYTH — Authorities were crediting quick work by a Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputy for helping keep a diesel fuel spill at a gas station on McFarland Parkway from become an extensive waste cleanup. 

The incident began about 5 p.m. Friday when a large box truck leaking fuel pulled into the station and parked.

The deputy, who was in the area, was able to borrow a bucket from the station operator to catch some of the fuel until a hazardous materials crew from the Forsyth County Fire Department arrived, according to authorities.

Because the nearby storm drain was installed about an inch higher than the surrounding parking lot, firefighters were able to block the drain with absorbent.

That kept the fuel from the drain, which flows straight into a nearby creek in south Forsyth.

Initial estimates placed the spill at about 30 gallons.