A recent severed gas line that resulted in a power shutoff for a thousand Revelstoke customers serves as a good reminder to exercise caution and call before digging, the city's fire chief says.
Fire Chief Steven DeRousie of Revelstoke Fire Rescue Services (RFRS) said a BC 1 Call had been placed when the city and FortisBC uncovered a damaged propane line at Third Street West and Rokeby Avenue on Monday morning, July 28.
RFRS initially responded to a 911 call at 9:03 a.m. that reported a struck gas line, the City of Revelstoke shared on social media after the incident. Crews then found a two-inch propane distribution line severed and venting gas uncontrollably.
"Firefighters quickly initiated safety protocols, notifying and evacuating nearby residents or advising them to shelter in place," the city wrote.
Fire Chief Steven DeRousie said he coordinated with FortisBC to temporarily shut down hydropower in the area, as a "safety precaution" that reduced risk of propane igniting or exploding while crews contained the venting gas. Even the possibility of a spark, he said, "could've potentially created an undesirable situation."
"Once the gas line was isolated, fire crews conducted thorough checks of homes and businesses to ensure no hazardous propane concentrations remained," the city added.
Electrical power was restored by 12:26 p.m. Monday, as FortisBC crews remained on scene completing repairs. DeRousie said as of Wednesday, July 30, FortisBC had wrapped up on site but the Third Street West-Rokeby Avenue area remained closed as waterworks maintenance continued.
He noted to Black Press Media that BC 1 Calls ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” which allow residents and businesses to check via a mapping system whether any gas lines run under their property ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” are key to digging safely or alternatively knowing "not where to dig."
While residential digging wasn't what caused Monday's incident, DeRousie clarified, making a BC 1 Call is an important step to take, especially when planning earthworks. He said calls should be made even before simply sticking fence posts or metal rebars into the ground.
"Approximately 90 per cent of damages to our gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices," FortisBC corporate communications advisor Holly Harrison previously told Black Press Media by email.
Make a BC 1 Call at 1-800-474-6886 or visit to learn more.