Underground fire in downtown core

Saturday evening there was an underground fire in the downtown core which resulted in a power outage. The Emergency Operation Centre has been opened and The Calgary Emergency Management Agency is working with ENMAX and partners to assess the impact to affected residents and businesses.

There are currently power outages between 5 Street SW and 11 Street SW and 4 Avenue SW and 7 Avenue SW. As a result, approximately 1,900 metered customers in 112 residential and commercial buildings are without power. The system will be shut down until power can be safely restored. If you currently have power, you are not at risk of losing service.

Affected ENMAX customers are expected to experience outages until mid-day Thursday, October 16, 2014.

The City of Calgary continues to work with ENMAX and other partner agencies to assist citizens impacted by an underground utility fire that caused a power outage in the downtown core. Please visit Calgary.ca for additional updates regarding this incident and support services available to impacted Calgarians.

Info for residents impacted by power outages

• If you are without power and are planning on leaving your residence please do so during daylight hours.
• Please be sure to unplug all appliances to avoid a power surge when power is restored.
• If you are leaving your home clean out your fridge and freezer before leaving.
• Please remember the power outage has impacted ventilation systems. Do not run your car in underground parkades.
• Do not under any circumstances use alternative heating or cooking devices. This includes candles, propane lights, camping lights and stoves or barbeques. For alternative lighting, use battery-powered lights or flashlights.
• Never use a portable generator indoors.
• Shaw has provided an open Wi-Fi network throughout Calgary for those who are using devices to stay connected. Look for the "Shaw Guest" network on your Wi-Fi enabled device. No password is required.
• Impacted residents can also head to any Telus retail store to charge their devices.

Transit

Calgary Transit service is now running normally. Check CalgaryTransit.com for the most up-to-date route information.

Water

• Water quality remains high and Calgarians in the affected area can continue to use water if it is available.
• Due to the power outage, there may be loss of pressure to high floor units which may result in no water supply.  
• Residents may see in buildings that have lost pressure or are experiencing low pressure include no water from taps and toilets will not flush.  This is a normal occurrence when pressure is lost or low, and residents are asked to be patient as crews work to restore power and water pressure to the building. Residents are asked to advise their building manager should this occur.  The City is working with Building Owners and Managers Association to monitor and communicate with affected residents. Please note, even if your water pressure is low, your water is safe to be used.
• The City is preparing to provide emergency potable water wagons for affected residents and businesses as required.

Waste

Waste bins will be available at Mewata Armoury for food disposal. If you are without power and looking to get rid of items in your fridge, you can dispose of them at the Information Centre.

Where to stay & Information Centre

• An Information Centre is set up at Mewata Armoury at 801 11 St. SW for residents to go and get information regarding the incident and support services.
• Please bring identification and a piece of mail or some document to show your home address is in the impacted area. Bring the name of your insurance provider and policy information if available, as well as the name of your building manager or organization if possible.
• Impacted residents will be able to convene, get information and charge electronic devices. There will be food trucks, hand washing stations, and an assessment can be done on any accommodation challenges. 
• The centre will also have Animal Services available to take your pets to The City’s Animal Shelter for temporary accommodation. Domestic animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits and birds in cages can all be accommodated. For exotic pets (must be in cages) such as snakes, spiders, etc., arrangements can be made by calling Calgary North Veterinary Hospital at 403-277-0135.
• If your power is out and you have friends or family that you can stay with, please reach out to secure accommodations for yourself while power is being restored. You can also contact your insurance company to see if accommodations are covered under your individual policy.
• Please note NO food donations are required at this time