State of emergency declared after hazmat situation in downtown Wheatley
A state of emergency has been declared and several homes have been evacuated after a hazmat situation in downtown Wheatley.
Chatham Kent Fire Service crews from Wheatley and Tilbury attended 16 Erie Street North in downtown Wheatley Wednesday just before 2:30 p.m. for a reported gas leak.
“It’s definitely not natural gas,” said Chatham-Kent fire chief Chris Case. “This is predominantly the type of response we get from an old gas well or capped well. It’s typical of that type of release.”
Windsor Hazmat team attended Wednesday evening to assist.
Several businesses with residential apartments above them were evacuated as a precaution. Police were also on scene and closed the road due to the strong odour.
Bob Smith was one of the 27 residents evacuated from the area.
“Finally got me up, came down and moved on to elsewhere for the night and went to work,” he said.
Gas service to eight adjoining buildings was turned off and purged to rule out natural gas as the cause.
Businesses like the Car Barn restaurant have been shut down.
Owner Barry Broadbent is worried about the food he has in storage, with the electricity to the building shut off.
“The actual area that’s being affected seems to be around the corner from us, so hopefully we’ll be able to get the hydro up and running and get everything back to normal,” Broadbent said.
Chatham-Kent fire officials say it is not a gas leak. Enbridge Gas was there to assist the fire department and as a precaution have shutoff gas to possibly effected homes.
Personnel from CK Police Service, CK EMS and Enbridge also attended.
“We’ve shut off the hydro and we’re trying to make sure that there’s absolutely no chance of gas being ignited,” Case said. “It is very dangerous. Gas coming up from the ground which is why we’re taking a level of precaution.”
The Provincial Ministry of Environment was also on scene and the Ministry of Natural Resources has been informed.
Case said the gas is consistent with a leak coming from a well, however, that has yet to be determined.
The municipality has contacted an expert who is on the way to determine the source of the leak and recommend how to move forward.
There is no indication at this time as to when gas will be restored to the buildings or when the Fire Department will lift the evacuation order.
The state of emergency remains in effect and the public is asked to avoid the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.