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Summary
An Enbridge pipeline “incident” has caused the evacuation of 100 people in the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation as a precaution. A rupture occurred on a natural gas transmission pipeline owned and operated by Enbridge about 13.5 km north of Prince George, B.C. at about 5:45 p.m. Oct. 9.
The pipeline ignited at the site in a rural area. No injuries have been reported. Enbridge emergency crews have responded to the site and are depressurizing two lines in the vicinity to contain the incident.
FortisBC has asked all customers in the province to reduce natural gas use following the incident. The pipeline feeds the FortisBC system. The company, anticipating decreased energy flow and potential loss of service, have requested customers turn off their thermostats, and reduce use of all other natural gas appliances.
Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, reads an alert on the company’s website, FortisBC said they are working hard to continue to provide the energy flow to homes and businesses and are monitoring the situation.
An Enbridge statement says the incident area has been cordoned off to maintain public safety.