Forest Fires & Evacuation
PNG holds public and employee safety as a main priority and we work with provincial emergency officials to monitor various forest fire situations in B.C. We also work with local fire and emergency authorities to ensure public safety, and protect our natural gas infrastructure.
Natural Gas Service Outages
Do not shut off your natural gas if you receive an evacuation order. If fire or emergency officials request PNG to do so, we will turn off natural gas service as a precautionary measure, or if there is an immediate threat to PNG infrastructure. Once fire or emergency officials confirm the situation is safe, there are a number of steps that PNG takes to safely restore natural gas service:
- We will assess the natural gas system in the affected area, repair any damage and reactivate the affected system.
- PNG crews will visit each home to relight all affected appliances and restore gas service at the meter, if required
- If you are not at home, a PNG technician will leave a door tag that provides contact information. Call 1-800-667-2297 for relights.
When You Return Home
The decision to lift the evacuation order is made by local fire officials after consultation with other agencies, including PNG. Once the order is lifted, customers will be able to return to their homes.
- If gas has been turned off due to an emergency, PNG will first ensure the natural gas system is safe. Once complete, PNG crews will visit your home to relight your appliances.
- If the service valve on your meter is turned to the off position, do not turn it on. If you have concerns with the natural gas system, or if you detect the rotten egg or sulphur smell of natural gas, leave your home immediately and call the PNG 24-hour emergency number at 1-800-663-1173.
- The decision to lift the evacuation order is made by local fire officials after consultation with other agencies, including PNG. Once the order is lifted, customers will be able to return to their homes.
- If your gas was turned off; that is, the service valve on your meter is turned to the off position (i.e., crosswise to the pipe), do not turn it on. PNG crews will visit your home to restore gas service and relight affected appliances. If you missed the technician, call 1-800-667-2297 for relights.
Damaged Appliances? Call a Licensed Gas Contractor
Don’t try to put natural gas appliances back in service yourself. Do not use any gas appliances that have been damaged, until they have been thoroughly inspected by a registered gas contractor. The contractor will check, repair and pressure test all gas pipes that may have been affected by the forest fire. They will also check that all your gas equipment is safe to operate.
Smell Gas?
If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur or hear the sound of escaping gas, go outside and then call our 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-1173 or 911.
Wildfire Information
For information on wildfire status and evacuation orders please visit your local Regional District website: