Media Release: Emergency operations successful following a natural gas leak in Fort Nelson, B.C.

MEDIA RELEASE

FORT NELSON, B.C. – On August 17, 2022 at 15:30 a State of Local Emergency and Evacuation Order was issued, affecting a number of Fort Nelson residents after a low-pressure natural gas distribution line was struck. Due to the immediate danger to life and health, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) ordered all residents within a 1-kilometer radius of the area to evacuate immediately. Entry to the area was not permitted without an emergency service escort.

The line breach occurred as a result of a sanitary sewer project underway, after the gas line was identified by BC 1 Call, but cited as inactive by FortisBC.  At approximately 15:08, the line was struck, and emergency services were notified immediately. A tactical evacuation was conducted by the Northern Rockies Fire Rescue (NRFR) and the RCMP, and the Emergency Operation Centre was activated to support evacuees. A FortisBC contractor arrived on scene at 17:40 and temporarily secured the gas line until a permanent repair could be completed the following day. At 19:30 the Evacuation Order was rescinded, and evacuees were able to return to their homes.

Overall, the emergency operation was successful, with gratitude to those that supported Incident Command, including NRFR, RCMP, the BC Ambulance Service, the Conservation Officer Service and the many NRRM personnel behind the scenes with the Emergency Operations and Evacuation Centres. The patience and cooperation shown by those residents directly impacted by the evacuation also contributed to ensuring that everyone involved remained safe and the duration of the event was limited.

Where most local emergencies involve evacuations, the Northern Rockies Regional Recreation Centre is the communities’ primary emergency evacuation centre. When an order is issued, or when notified by emergency services personnel, evacuees are encouraged to register at the Recreation Centre to access Emergency Social Services such as a cooling/warming centre, meals, toiletries and accommodations if the event extends overnight.

In the event of an evacuation, evacuees should:

• Gather family, co-workers, or those in need of help, making sure everyone is accounted for.
• Close windows and doors, as well as gates.
• Take critical items like medicine, purse/wallet, keys if immediately available.
• Take pets in kennels or on a leash.
• Shut off gas and electrical appliances other than refrigerators and freezers.
• If you are self-evacuating, take your emergency preparedness kit.

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