UPDATE: Residents could return to their homes Wednesday evening after an evacuation order for the area from Cook/Cloverdale intersection to Holmes Street on Quadra Street was lifted around 5:30 p.m..
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An unmarked gas line on Quadra Street was struck Wednesday afternoon, causing a gas leak that prompted evacuations.
“At approximately 2:00 p.m. on January 25, the Saanich Fire Department responded to an incident in the 3400 block of Quadra Street where an unmarked gas line was hit resulting in a gas leak,” Saanich communications said in a statement. “Crews worked quickly to assess the scene and evacuate the vicinity.”
Foot and vehicle traffic is being diverted between Inverness Road and Cloverdale Avenue due to the leak.
A gas leak has Quadra closed between Inverness and Cloverdale #yyjtraffic pic.twitter.com/HK677YZyys
— C. van Reeuwyk (@van_reeuwyk) January 25, 2023
Cloverdale Elementary School was also evacuated.
Fortis BC Crews are also on site, said Lauren Lea, the corporate communications advisor.
“Right now, the priority of the crews on site is to be able to start repairs,” Lea said.
She said the gas main was damaged by a third party in the area and crews are looking to identify a way to stop the flow of gas.
The street will remain closed for now until crews come up with the repair plan, Lea said.
“Once crews come up with a repair plan, we will have a better idea as to when they might be able to complete the repairs.”
Saanich Fire Department said a small fire in a nearby house has been extinguished and adjacent buildings have been evacuated.
SFD on scene 3400 blk Quadra with @saanich PW and @FortisBC for gas leak. Adjacent buildings evacuated. Small fire in a nearby residence has been extinguished. No injuries reported. @SaanichEP has evacuee comfort centre activated at CH Golf club. More info to follow as available.
— Saanich Fire Department (@SaanichFire) January 25, 2023
There have been no injuries according to the statement from Saanich.
Saanich Emergency Program tweeted that a comfort centre is currently available for those who were evacuated at Cedar Hill Golf Course Club House.
Saanich will send out an update at 8 p.m. this evening.
Monitor Saanich’s Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as saanich.ca for more information.
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