Update: Residents evacuated for hazardous materials probe

May 16, 2019 | 5:35 PM

Update

The hazardous material that led to some evacuations at a Kelowna condominium turned out to be gasoline.

The Kelowna Fire Department Hazmat team responded to assess a possible hazardous materials incident in the 600 block of Cook Road this morning.

“Our Fire Prevention branch had responded earlier due to a smell of fuel and requested the Hazmat Team,” says Platoon Captain Scott Clarke.

Two members of the Hazmat team entered the building with atmospheric testing equipment and confirmed the presence of gasoline.

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Crews had trouble gaining access to one of the rooms in the residence as it was locked.

The tenant arrived and let crews into the locked room so they could complete their search.

All the gasoline was safely removed from the residence.

“The Kelowna Fire Department would like to remind the public to ensure that all flammable liquids and propane should be stored appropriately in a well ventilated area,” says Clarke.

Some residents of the Playa Del Sol Resort on Cook Road in Kelowna have been evacuated after potentially hazardous materials were found in one condo.

“Discoveries made on site this morning by the Kelowna Fire Department and police have prompted an evacuation of neighbouring units inside the resort to ensure public safety,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP.

Emergency officials are not saying what the material may be, but the public is asked to avoid the area for their own safety

“The public can expect to see the RCMP and other emergency responders at the scene for a number of hours as they conduct their investigation,” state O’Donaghey.

by Corey Fischer