Fire crews back in Wheatley after 2nd gas detection in less than a week
Gas was last detected on June 26
Emergency crews are back in Wheatley, Ont., to monitor the area around the small community's library branch following the second gas detection there in less than a week, the Chatham-Kent Fire Department says.
On Tuesday, a member of the public reported "a strong odour" around 35 Talbot Street West, the fire department wrote on social media. "Emergency crews responded promptly and confirmed the presence of gas, which is now being actively monitored."
Unlike last week, no nearby residents were ordered to evacuate, but some were "advised to shelter in place as a precaution," the department said.
At around 7 p.m., the fire service said crews would be "scaled down for the evening" as the situation stabilized, "with a dedicated emergency crew remaining on site overnight to continue monitoring.
"Public safety remains the top priority, and anyone affect by the incident has spoken directly to a chief office," the department added.
By 8:45 p.m., gas was "no longer being detected" but fire crews would remain on the scene to monitor the situation, the department said.
In 2021, an abandoned gas well in Wheatley caused a massive explosion that injured 20 people and leveled buildings.
On Thursday, the municipality of Chatham-Kent, which includes Wheatley, said investigations "into recurring gas emissions" in the area are ongoing.
"At present, there is no risk to public safety, but residents are encouraged to avoid the area," the statement said.
The library branch, which the municipality previously said could re-open as early as Thursday, "will remain closed until further notice as a precaution," per the statement.
"Library staff are working to provide temporary library services in Wheatley while the branch is closed. More details will be shared in the near future," the municipality said.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Rescue is "working closely with technical experts and provincial partners to determine the source of the gas and take any actions necessary to protect the community," said Chief Chris Case in the statement.
Last week's incident prompted a visit from Mike Harris, the province's minister of natural resources. Harris offered "words of encouragement and reassurance that the Province will continue to support Wheatley through ongoing Provincial investment in finding, capping and monitoring abandoned gas wells throughout the region," the municipality said in a previous statement.