Calgary Fire Department Evacuates Hundreds Due To Damaged Gas Line At U of C South Campus Building

Shortly after 1:00 this afternoon, the Calgary Fire Department responded to the University of Calgary South Campus for reports of the smell of natural gas. Fire crews arrived on scene to find the Teaching Research & Wellness Building already being evacuated through the building's own alarm system. Firefighters commenced with investigating the building for the source of the odour. The source of the natural gas was found to be a supply line along the outside of the building leading up to the roof and was being used by contractors. Fire crews shut off the gas flow to the affected line. Once ventilation of the odour was completed using the building’s own ventilation system, firefighters assessed each floor with their air monitoring equipment before allowing the hundreds of evacuees back inside. No readings of natural gas were found inside the building. The evacuation lasted just over an hour and there were no reports of injuries as a result of this incident.

-30-