Wheatley evacuates again

WHEATLEY — According to Chatham-Kent Fire, a hydrogen sulphide detector at 15 Erie Street North was activated just after 8 am Monday, July 19, prompting yet another evacuation in downtown Wheatley.

As of press time, personnel from Wheatley and Tilbury fire stations are on scene along with Chatham-Kent Police. Both Enbridge and Entegrus had personnel on scene Monday to shut off natural gas and hydro to 23 residences and 13 businesses, displacing about 52 people.

The cordoned-off area is larger than the previous incident, with businesses being affected on the south side of Talbot Street East this time, as well.

The Provincial Hazmat Team from Windsor Fire and Rescue was on scene Monday, sampling gas for laboratory analysis.

The evacuation order occurs exactly one month after the previous evacuation order was lifted. It was on June 19 that residents and all-but-two businesses were allowed back into their properties. The state-of-emergency declared on June 2 was then lifted on June 28.

A further state-of-emergency had not been issued as of press time, but officials are asking residents to avoid the area.

This comes as another blow to businesses who had just begun to recover from the last 17-day closure, especially restaurants who were recently able to open for indoor dining.

The investigation is ongoing.