UPDATE 3:46 p.m.
Vernon Fire Rescue reports the natural gas line has been capped by Fortis BC and the people evacuated on 31st and 32nd Avenues have been allowed to return to their homes and businesses.
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UPDATE 3:34 p.m.
The City of Vernon is asking the public to stay away from the 3400 blocks of 31st and 32nd Avenues after a natural gas line was struck this afternoon.
As a precaution, police have evacuated businesses and residences on both blocks between 34th Street and 35th Street and have closed the area to traffic.
“Our first priority is to keep everyone safe, so we’re asking everyone to avoid traveling near this part of town while crews assess and repair the line,” said Deputy Chief Dwight Seymour.
FortisBC is on site to clamp the gas line and make repairs.
“No injuries have been reported at this time,” said Seymour. “Once it is safe to do so, police or FortisBC will advise people when they can return to the buildings.”
Several businesses on 31st Avenue including FreshCo and Shoppers Drug Mart have been evacuated.
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2:30 p.m. story
Several blocks of downtown Vernon have been blocked off by police and other emergency crews this afternoon.
It’s due to a natural gas leak in the 3400 block of 32nd Avenue which people in the area say you can smell in the air.
FortisBC is at the scene looking to cap the leak which was first reported around 1:50 p.m.
Some residents of nearby homes and businesses have been evacuated as a precaution.
It’s believed a work crew caused the leak.
