Reports of possible gas leak leads to building evacuations in Vancouver [Video]

Multiple buildings were evacuated in downtown Vancouver Wednesday morning due to a concerning gas odour.

Capt. Matthew Trudeau, public information officer with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, told CTV News crews were called about reports of a possible gas leak on Alexander Street between Main and Cordova streets.

Trudeau said “a high concentration of gas” inside one building was of concern. That building, two adjacent ones, and another across the street were evacuated, “out of an abundance of caution,” he said.

Several fire trucks were sent to the area, in case of potential ignitions or explosions, though the response was slowly scaled back.

VFRS worked in partnership with BC Hydro and FortisBC to disconnect power and gas to the building, Trudeau said.

After conducting an investigation, FortisBC said, it was determined the source of the odour was “from an appliance inside the building” and not related to the gas system.

“Safety …