A sudden gas leak in Prince George, British Columbia triggered a citywide emergency alert Saturday evening, forcing residents in part of the Heritage neighbourhood to evacuate immediately as authorities warned the leak posed a threat to human life.
The emergency situation unfolded on March 14, 2026, when officials detected what is believed to be an underground gas leak near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Tabor Boulevard. Police quickly shut down nearby streets while fire rescue teams and gas utility crews rushed to contain the danger.
Within minutes, the City of Prince George issued a mobile emergency alert instructing residents inside a specific area of the city to leave their homes immediately and move to a designated evacuation centre. The alert sparked widespread concern as residents scrambled to comply while emergency responders secured the neighbourhood.
Emergency alert ordered residents to evacuate immediately
The first emergency alert was issued at approximately 5:15–5:30 p.m., warning residents that a gas leak in the area posed a serious safety risk. Authorities told anyone inside the evacuation zone to leave immediately.
The original evacuation area included neighbourhood blocks:
- North of Fifth Avenue
- East of Tabor Boulevard
- West of Voyageur Drive
- Extending toward Zion Lutheran Church
The emergency message clearly warned that the gas leak posed a “threat to human life,” prompting authorities to move quickly to clear residents from the danger zone.
Prince George Fire Rescue crews, RCMP officers, and FortisBC gas technicians all responded to the incident. Emergency teams began securing the area while utility workers investigated the source of the leak and worked to control it.
Residents directed to evacuation centre
People forced to evacuate were directed to the Zion Lutheran Christian Church located at 180 Tabor Boulevard. Emergency management staff were stationed at the church to assist evacuees with support and information.
Prince George emergency programs manager Tanya Spooner was on site with evacuees during the response. At one point early in the evening, about two dozen residents were gathered at the church waiting for updates.
Officials said many residents chose to stay with friends or family while waiting for the situation to stabilize.
Anyone unable to evacuate was instructed to call 9-1-1 for assistance. Residents were also encouraged to register for Emergency Support Services to access short-term support if needed.
Police closed roads and businesses shut down
Police quickly blocked traffic near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Tabor Boulevard as the situation developed. Officers were seen directing motorists away from the area while emergency vehicles moved in to respond to the gas leak.
The incident also forced nearby businesses to shut down temporarily. Both a Shell gas station and a McDonald’s restaurant located near the intersection closed as a precaution while authorities worked to manage the emergency.
Traffic cones and police vehicles blocked off key access points, creating noticeable disruption for drivers and residents in the area.
As an added safety measure, power was also shut off in the affected area to reduce the risk of ignition while gas crews worked on the leak.
Evacuation zone later reduced as crews contained leak
By early evening, emergency crews reported progress in controlling the situation. FortisBC workers were able to contain the leak and began venting gas from the affected area.
As a result, city officials announced that the evacuation zone could be reduced significantly from the initial two-block radius.
The updated evacuation area was narrowed to:
- Carrier Place
- The end of Explorer Crescent
- The section of Carrier Avenue between those two streets
Residents whose homes were no longer inside the revised evacuation boundary were told they could return home. However, people living within the smaller zone were instructed to remain out of the area until authorities declared it safe.
Officials said crews remained on scene monitoring the situation and continuing mitigation efforts.
Underground gas leak believed to be the cause
Authorities believe the emergency was caused by an underground gas leak, though the exact cause of the leak had not been confirmed as of Saturday evening.
Underground leaks can be particularly challenging because crews must locate the source below the surface before repairs can begin. That process often requires evacuations and road closures to protect residents while gas levels are stabilized.
Gas leaks can become dangerous quickly if gas accumulates in confined areas or reaches an ignition source. Safety experts say immediate evacuation is often the safest response when leaks are suspected. Information about gas leak safety procedures can be found through FortisBC gas safety guidance.
City monitoring situation and promising updates
Officials from the City of Prince George said they would continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as crews worked to fully resolve the issue.
The city confirmed emergency responders from multiple agencies remained on site, including fire rescue crews, police officers, and FortisBC technicians.
Authorities emphasized that public safety remained the top priority throughout the response.
Residents were advised to follow official updates and avoid entering restricted areas until emergency teams confirm that conditions are safe.
Additional updates and emergency information for residents are available through the City of Prince George official website.
Community relieved as situation stabilizes
Although the emergency created temporary disruption for residents and businesses in the Heritage neighbourhood, the quick response from emergency crews helped prevent a more serious outcome.
The reduction of the evacuation zone suggested the immediate danger had been brought under control, offering relief to residents who had been forced to leave their homes earlier in the evening.
For many people in Prince George, the incident served as a reminder of how quickly emergencies can unfold and how important emergency alert systems are for keeping communities safe.
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