Contractor ruptures gas line in the old Sahali Safeway building

Photo: Nathan Ritchie

Sahali Mall.

Sahali Mall had to be evacuated this morning after a third-party contractor hit a gas line in the old Safeway building. 

The incident happened around 9:30 a.m., Kamloops Fire Rescue Platoon Capt. Wade Lindoff tells Castanet. 

"They were doing some work on some mechanics in the attic space and they damaged the gas line," he says.

By the time KFR got to the scene, the contractor had shut off the gas.

"We basically just evacuated the rest of the mall, set up a perimeter. We ventilated the building. When FortisBC arrived, we were able to go through the building and get some readings, making sure the ventilation had done its job," says Lindoff.

Mall employees and customers have been allowed back in the building, he adds; the contractor, meanwhile, is currently making repairs to the gas line. 

"After that's done, then gas should be restored," says Lindoff

FortisBC spokesperson Nicole Brown tells Castanet the third-party damage is not on the FortisBC system.

She says the incident is a reminder to be extra careful.

"As British Columbians maintain physical distancing due to COVID-19, they may be starting outdoor projects at home a little earlier this year. FortisBC would like to remind residents and contractors of the importance of clicking or calling BC 1 Call before they dig to avoid damaging underground infrastructure, including FortisBC natural gas lines. Ground disturbance can be anything from planting a tree or gardening, to doing excavation work on a property," explains Brown in an email.

The old Safeway will be turning into a FreshCo.