A natural gas line break in Sunningdale prompted the evacuation of 11 homes on Wednesday around 2:30 p.m.
Nine emergency personnel from the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue in Trail responded to a call at 2:24, and said in a release that the incident was under control by around 3:30 p.m.
Incoming access to Hazelwood Dr. was blocked and rerouted down Hillside Dr. and the area cordoned off, while FortisBC crews worked on the break. An excavator was present at a house in lower Sunningdale on Hazelwood where crews attended.
Residents were able to return to their homes around 4 p.m.
According to the FortisBC website, natural gas is odorless, however, the natural-gas provider adds a harmless odorant called mercaptan to natural gas to create the unmistakable smell of rotten eggs.
Residents may also hear a hissing sound coming from a natural gas appliance if there’s a leak.
If you smell or hear it, FortisBC recommends you act fast by doing the following:
- Stop what you’re doing. Don’t use your cellphone or landline, don’t smoke, light matches or operate electrical switches or create any other source of ignition.
- Go outside. As you exit, leave the door open behind you as well as any windows that may already be open.
- Call us. Once outside, call the FortisBC Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 (24 hours) or 911.
