Prince George Gas Leak: Most Evacuees Can Return Home, Some Displaced

Prince George Gas Leak: Most Evacuees Expected Home as Power Restored, Some Displaced Overnight

Prince George, BC – Most residents evacuated Saturday evening due to a gas leak in the Heritage area of Prince George are expected to be able to return home once power is fully restored, officials said. However, residents of units 101 through 108 at 448 Tabor Boulevard will be provided with overnight accommodations by the City of Prince George as a precaution. The incident prompted an emergency alert and the evacuation of a section of the city, causing disruption for several hours.

The initial emergency alert, issued around 5:15 p.m. On March 14, 2026, called for immediate evacuation for those north of Fifth Avenue to Zion Lutheran Church and east of Tabor Boulevard, west of Voyager Drive, citing a gas leak posing a threat to human life. Evacuees were directed to gather at Zion Lutheran Christian Church, located at 180 Tabor Boulevard.

Gas Leak Contained, Evacuation Area Reduced

The situation evolved rapidly as emergency crews responded. By 6:27 p.m., Fortis BC crews had contained the gas leak and were actively venting the area, according to Tanya Spooner, Prince George’s manager of emergency programs. This allowed authorities to significantly reduce the evacuation zone to include only Carrier Place, the conclude of Explorer Crescent, and the section of Carrier Avenue between those two streets.

The cause of the leak remains unknown at this time. City officials confirmed the reduced evacuation area in a media release issued at 6:22 p.m., stating that Prince George Fire Rescue, the RCMP, and Fortis BC crews were on site addressing what is believed to be an underground gas leak. Power to the affected area was shut off to facilitate repairs.

Accommodation Provided for Displaced Residents

While the majority of evacuees will be able to return home with the restoration of power, residents of units 101-108 at 448 Tabor Blvd. Will require alternative accommodations for the night. The City of Prince George is activating emergency support services to provide these residents with lodging. Impacted residents can call 250-614-7838 to arrange accommodations; those reaching voicemail are advised to leave their name and contact number for a return call.

What Happened: A Timeline of Events

5:15 p.m.: Emergency alert issued for a large section of the Heritage area due to a gas leak.
5:15 p.m.: RCMP initiate blocking off the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Tabor Avenue.
5:52 p.m.: City of Prince George emergency programs manager Tanya Spooner confirms an active gas leak and crews on site.
6:27 p.m.: Fortis BC contains the leak and begins venting the area; evacuation zone reduced.
8:55 p.m.: City of Prince George announces most evacuees can return home when power is restored, with accommodations provided for residents of 448 Tabor Blvd. Units 101-108.

Understanding the Emergency Response Process

Gas leaks require a swift and coordinated response due to the potential for explosion, and asphyxiation. The initial step, as seen in Prince George, is to issue an evacuation order to remove people from the immediate danger zone. What we have is typically followed by shutting off the gas supply and addressing the source of the leak. Fortis BC provides detailed information on natural gas safety, including what to do in the event of a suspected leak.

Emergency programs managers, like Tanya Spooner, play a crucial role in coordinating the response, working with fire departments, police, and utility companies. Establishing reception centres, such as the one at Zion Lutheran Church, provides evacuees with a safe place to gather and receive information and support. The restoration of essential services, like power, is a key factor in allowing residents to return home safely.

448 Tabor Boulevard: Property Details

The affected building at 448 Tabor Boulevard is a townhouse complex. According to Redfin, unit 104 is a 2,235 square foot townhouse with 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. However, the property is currently listed as off-market. Rennie lists unit 101 as a 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom unit with 2,300 square feet, and notes it was sold on August 22, 2024.

What Happens Next?

The immediate priority is the full restoration of power to the affected area. Once power is confirmed to be stable, residents who were evacuated will be permitted to return home. Fortis BC will continue to investigate the cause of the gas leak and undertake any necessary repairs to prevent future incidents. The City of Prince George will likely conduct a review of the emergency response to identify any areas for improvement.

Residents seeking further information are encouraged to contact the City of Prince George or Fortis BC directly.