The provincial Hazardous Materials Team is at the scene of a gas leak in Wheatley helping Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services resolve the situation.
Chatham-Kent Fire announced on Friday that the provincial team has joined local fire crews to monitor the situation in the area of 16 Erie St. N. in the downtown core where Hydrogen Sulphide was detected Wednesday afternoon and a State of Emergency was declared on Thursday morning.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency crews are rotating shifts at the site of the gas leak to monitor gas levels, make sure the gas doesn't spread, and be ready in case there's a fire.
“The provincial hazmat team is currently on scene continuing to survey the conditions,” explained Fire Chief Chris Case. “We are working with our local and provincial partners to try and keep disruption to a minimum but continuing to keep community safety as our highest priority.”
Provincial Hazmat Team at gas leak in Wheatley. Photo via CKFES. June 4, 2021.
Chief Case said the gas is flammable and toxic and power has been shut off in the area to prevent the gas from being ignited. Several homes and businesses have also been evacuated because Case said this gas is very dangerous.
Chatham-Kent Fire Spokesperson Whitney Burk said officials continue to collaborate to find a solution to get people back home and return to their businesses as soon as possible. Chief Case said that finding the source and stopping the gas leak could take a while because it's a natural occurring gas that comes from the ground.
Burk added fire officials would like to thank the residents and businesses affected for their "tremendous understanding."
The public is reminded to avoid the area.
