Update
FortisBC says repairs have been completed and gas services have returned to customers in the area; and Pandora Avenue has reopened.
Original
Crews were called to a damaged gas service line on Pandora Avenue near Vancouver Street shortly before noon on Tuesday (June 17).
According to a tweet from the City of Victoria, Pandora Avenue was closed from Vancouver to Quadra Street, and some residents in the area were evacuated.
FortisBC said in an emailed statement that there was damage to a gas service line caused by "an external party," and repairs are expected to be completed later in the day.
"There is one customer without gas service while repairs are under way. We thank residents in the area for their patience as our crews work to complete the necessary repairs safely and as quickly as possible," noted the statement.
Over the day, FortisBC said they would make sure the situation is safe and determine the best way to stop the flow of gas due to the damage. Once they complete repairs and reactivate the impacted portion of the system, their crews would restore service by visiting any affected home or business to turn gas back on at the meter and relight all affected appliances.
"We would also like to remind the public that the majority of damages to our gas system are preventable – always contact BC 1 Call (1-800-474-6886) before digging to gather information on the location of buried gas lines and other utilities. Approximately 90 per cent of damages to our gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices," noted the statement
