The Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) is reminding residents to “call before you dig” after a April 6 incident involving a damaged natural gas line in Bayside.
When fire crews arrived on scene shortly after 10 a.m. they quickly determined that a private contractor, who had been excavating in the area, struck and damaged a two-inch natural gas line, according to the press release.
As a precaution the area of the #100 Block of Baysprings Garden S.W. was immediately cordoned off, the release stated, and four homes adjacent to the incident were temporarily evacuated.
Firefighters secured a safe working perimeter to assist ATCO personnel to isolate the break and eventually control the flow of gas from the damaged line.
Approximately six hours after the incident occurred, repairs were completed and displaced residents were permitted to return to their homes. There were no injuries to report.
Three pieces of fire apparatus and nine firefighters were on scene.
“Protecting vital utility services is everyone’s responsibility,” the release stated. “Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, responsible digging means requesting locates before each job, understanding the locate(s) markings and digging safely near them. ‘Call before you dig’ to have utilities located and marked.”
For more information, call Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 or email [email protected]
