Emergency crews responded to a propane leak in downtown Revelstoke yesterday, which has left nearly 900 FortisBC customers without gas.
The Revelstoke Fire Department said they responded to a report of a gas leak in the 600 block of Mackenzie Avenue. Upon arrival, fire crews discovered a gas line that had been punctured at a residence under construction.
Firefighters evacuated nearby residences and buildings and blocked off traffic, between 6th St. and 4th St on Mackenzie Ave.
Power was turned off to the downtown core so emergency crews and Fortis BC could make the necessary repairs.
After the gas line had been repaired, fire crews tested residences in the affected area for gas buildup and had to ventilate nearby homes.
Our crews are onsite repairing damage to a propane line in #RevelstokeBC caused by a third party. We appreciate the public’s patience while we work on repairs. For updates visit our service alert: https://t.co/sFxwOIvgRG
— FortisBC (@FortisBC) October 23, 2019
Revelstoke Fire Department said they responded with 17 fire personnel, two pumpers and two command vehicles.
The power outage impacted 1,550 customers. Power was restored around 6:30 p.m yesterday, however many businesses downtown remained closed for the evening.
Fortis BC said the pipeline was repaired last night, however in a news release this morning they said they are still trying to restore propane.
Roughly 900 Fortis BC customers are still without propane for heating.
@FortisBC what is the status of the heat in Revelstoke, I have heard it may be a couple days before the heat is turned on again. Some of us this is our only source of heat!
— PS213Revy (@Ps213R) October 23, 2019
Fortis BC said technicians will be shutting off all affected meters as a safety precaution as they regasify the main line. Fortis BC noted they have brought in extra technicians.
“We anticipate relights will begin this afternoon, throughout Thursday and possibly into Friday. We recognize this loss of service is disruptive for our Revelstoke customers and are doing everything we can to restore service quickly and safely.”
Some Revelstokians still do not have heat.
Revelstoke Fire Department said today that no one is no longer evacuated.
Fortis BC said they cannot comment at this time if any charges will be laid.
Power was turned off yesterday from roughly 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The smell of propane was so strong in the area that passersbys noted it could even be smelled in Southside.
There is no propane smell today.
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