Gas Leak Prompts Evacuation in Roberts Creek Housing Complex: No Injuries Reported
Roberts Creek, a housing complex located in British Columbia, Canada, recently faced a potentially dangerous situation when a gas leak prompted the evacuation of its residents. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.
The Roberts Creek Volunteer Fire Department (RCVFD) responded swiftly to a call received at 10:48 a.m. on November 1. It was determined that a machinery operating in one of the Roberts Creek Cohousing complex accidentally cut an underground gas line. The contractors on-site immediately shut down all equipment and began informing nearby residents, while ensuring there were no sources of ignition.
The RCVFD sprang into action, arriving at the scene within minutes and evacuating the area by knocking on doors. Their quick response was aided by a resident of the Cohousing who had a complete list of complex residents and their contact numbers, which proved to be extremely helpful.
In preparation for any potential emergencies, the Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department pumper truck was called in, staffed with a crew of five and assisted by an assistant chief from the GVFD. This ensured that there were experienced personnel on standby in case the situation escalated.
Emergency responders successfully evacuated all residents, including a few who were initially difficult to locate, such as one resident who was still asleep. FortisBC, the gas company, promptly arrived to address the gas leak and requested fire crews to monitor gas concentration levels in the affected area.
By 11:37 a.m., FortisBC confirmed that the broken gas pipe had been clamped off, effectively resolving the immediate issue. Fire Chief Pat Higgins verified that there was no point of ignition during the incident and expressed his satisfaction with the overall response. FortisBC also informed him that the leak area had a high level of dissipation, which was fortunate given the circumstances.
Higgins emphasized that accidents like this are more common in densely built communities, where underground infrastructure is concentrated in a compact space. However, he commended the contractors for their admirable response to the situation and reminded everyone that most gas pipe ruptures can be prevented by making a simple phone call before excavating.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and awareness when it comes to gas infrastructure. Authorities urge residents, contractors, and workers to remain vigilant and prioritize precautionary measures to mitigate potential risks.
In the end, the prompt action of emergency responders and the cooperative efforts of the involved parties ensured the safety of everyone in the Roberts Creek Housing Complex. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing diligence and adherence to safety protocols in order to prevent and effectively respond to potential emergencies.
Jordan Copp, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Coast Reporter
