With some Wheatley residents confused about what newly distributed multi-gas alarms can detect, Chatham-Kent fire officials are offering clarification.
With some Wheatley residents confused about what newly distributed multi-gas alarms can detect, Chatham-Kent fire officials are offering clarification.
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Year Aug. 26, 2021, blast in downtown Wheatley was linked to highly toxic hydrogen sulphide gas seeing up through the ground. The blast destroyed two buildings, damaged several others and injured 20 people.
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The alarms were chosen because they can detect methane gas, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue said in a release Thursday. Hydrogen sulphide occurs alongside natural gas, or methane.
Hydrogen sulphide is readily detectable by odor at low concentrations; methane is odorless and colorless. An explosive mixture can build up in enclosed spaces, officials said.
“So far, we’ve been met with an excellent response from the community,” Assistant Fire Chief Neil Woods said in the release.
“These alarms were specifically chosen for the efficacy in detecting the active gases in the community and offer the people of Wheatley an extra measure of safety and peace of mind.”
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Since Tuesday, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue has gone door-to-door distributing multi-gas alarms to Wheatley households. To date, 440 alarms have been handed out.
Door-to-door distribution will resume early next week.
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Residents outside the former evacuation zone can pick up a free multi-gas alarm at the Wheatley resource center at 108 Talbot Rd. E. It’s open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm
The alarms were funded by a $280,000 Natural Resources Ministry grant to implement local priority projects to enhance emergency preparedness within communities and prevent petroleum-related emergencies.
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This month, Chatham-Kent council approved $3.5-million to buy properties in the evacuation zone deemed unsuitable for redevelopment. The purchase was funded by a $3-million provincial grant, with the rest coming from a strategic reserve.
The municipality continues negotiating to buy remaining properties in the zone.
Residents who detect or suspect gas in their home are urged to call 911 immediately.
For updates on Wheatley, subscribe at chatham-kent.ca/services/digitalresources/Pages/Subscription-Services.aspx and select “Wheatley Emergency” from the topic list.
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