Dozens of Wheatley residents are safely back in their homes following a gas leak in the downtown core.
Municipal staff say emissions of hydrogen sulfide, first detected behind the library on Talbot Street West shortly before 2 Thursday afternoon, have now stopped. Officials with T. L. Watson and Associates, Chatham-Kent’s oil and gas expert who oversaw previous Wheatley incidents, has confirmed there are no imminent risks to public safety.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue crews say there has been no gas detected in homes closest to the library and residents from the 60 homes issued a precautionary evacuation notice yesterday are now being allowed to return to their properties.
“This was a terrible incident for everyone still affected by the 2021 event,” said Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case. “However, we quickly assembled all agencies and the experts we have relied on over the past years and were able to determine the community could return to their homes. We appreciate the support and understanding from everyone involved.”
“I am extremely thankful that this situation was quickly resolved through rapid response and teamwork from multiple agencies and cooperation from Wheatley residents,” said Mayor Darrin Canniff. “The people of Wheatley have been through so much over the last few years, and this incident is a firm reminder of the importance of vigilance and monitoring in the community.”
Fire crews remain on scene and will be conducting air monitoring every 30 minutes to ensure ongoing public safety.
