Update: Fernie Memorial Arena Ammonia Leak
October 20, 2017
The Emergency Response team continues to work around the clock to try to stabilize the situation at the Fernie Arena to allow our evacuated community members to return home. To allow the investigation to continue, and the evacuation order to be reassessed, the situation must be fully stable.
“We requested additional resources that arrived last evening including Emergency Response Team members from Teck in Trail, BC and Agrium’s Calgary Emergency Response Team. These teams bring important additional expertise to assist us in dealing with the hazardous material” says Chief Ted Ruiter. In addition a pressure vessel is en route from Edmonton. This vehicle has the ability to draw the ammonia from the system, contain it in the vessel and transport it to a waste facility. It is expected to arrive at approximately 10PM MT.
“Residents are reminded the Evacuation Order is still in effect, and we would like to impress on residents the importance of continuing to adhere to the evacuation boundary. At this time there is an ammonia odour in the immediate vicinity of the Arena, however, we want to assure the public they remain safe and that we are continuously monitoring the levels” adds Chief Ruiter.
Specialists from the Provincial Disaster Psychosocial Program have arrived in Fernie to offer services to anyone in our community who feels they need assistance to help deal with grief and stress. This free service is available by calling 250-489-9677 or dropping into their temporary office located at College of the Rockies 342 – 2nd Avenue (Saturday 10:00AM to 2:00PM).
An information line with a recorded message detailing the latest information is available at 1-855-346-2188 and the City will continue to provide updates as they become available.
