A natural gas pipeline owned by TC Energy Corp, ruptured near Edson on Tuesday, sparking a wildfire.
The Calgary-based pipeline operator confirmed the rupture in a statement late Tuesday afternoon.
“An initial ignition of natural gas at the rupture site is now extinguished. We are working to support Alberta Wildfire in their response to contain a secondary fire.”
TC Energy Corp was alerted at approximately 11 a.m. Tuesday of an “incident” on its NGTL pipeline system in Yellowhead County, about 40 kilometers northwest of Edson and 55 kilometers northeast of Hinton.
The company said the affected section of the pipeline had been isolated and shut down, and there were no reports of injuries.
Charlotte Charbonneau, area information coordinator with Alberta Forestry and Parks, said as of mid afternoon, the wildfire was 10 hectares in size, and had not threatened any communities.
Alberta Wildfire has 12 wildland firefighters and eight pieces of heavy equipment at the site. Air tankers and a helicopter were also available to assist.
“The fire is still classified as out of control, but firefighters are making really good progress,” she said. “They will continue working until probably darkness, trying to contain the fire, and then will resume work in the morning.”
According to Alberta Wildfire, Wednesday’s operation will see 28 wildland firefighters, heavy equipment and a helicopter assisting with extinguishing the wildfire. The fire crews will begin hotspotting, which consists of digging into the ground, looking and feeling for any hotspots that could re-surface.
TC Energy’s NGTL pipeline system transports natural gas from Alberta and northeast B.C. to domestic and export markets.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has sent an investigator to the scene.
Aerial view of EWF015 at 2:30 p.m. on April 16, 2024. The wildfire is now covered in snow
and wildland firefighters will return to the site tomorrow to work towards full extinguishment.
Comments