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OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Friday, August 9, 2013
VOL. 99 NO. 98
www.quesnelobserver.com
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Successful negotiation A 31-year-old male has been taken into police custody after a police incident which caused the evacuation of eleven homes in the surrounding area and a partial road closure. The police incident began shortly after 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, when RCMP were called to the Poplar Avenue residence for a disturbance. Due to safety concerns which presented themselves during the investigation, the RCMP’s Emergency Response Team was deployed. After successful negotiation with police, the male suspect exited the residence and surrendered at approximately 1:30 p.m. He was arrested and taken into police custody without further incident. Police are recommending charges of assault with a weapon and uttering threats. RCMP would like to thank those affected by the evacuation for their patience during this incident. Their cooperation allowed for this incident to be brought to a safe and successful conclusion. The male was scheduled to make his first court appearance late this week. Check future Observer’s for updates. Autumn MacDonald photo
City reviews gas leak response After a major gas leak July 29 downtown, a debriefing session was held last week with key stakeholders. Attendees included the Fire Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Work Safe BC, the contractor and developer for the site and city representatives from Bylaw Enforcement, Public Works,
Development Services and Communications to report out and review the response. The situation arose at approximately 2:40 p.m., when an excavator hit an abandoned gas line on the construction site at the corner of St. Laurent Avenue and Reid Street. A call was immediately made to 911 to dispatch fire, police
Celebrate!
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and ambulance to the scene and evacuation of the surrounding area promptly ensued. Within minutes a twelveblock area was secured. Neighbouring businesses and residents were asked to leave the area. An emergency reception center was set up at the Quesnel & District Arts and Recreation Centre for anyone evacuated as a
result of the incident. At approximately 6 p.m., the gas leak had been isolated and those evacuated were advised that they could return to the area. It was noted the contractor followed all necessary requirements prior to the excavation. No injuries were reported. The City of Quesnel, along with all of the other stakeholders, view
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public safety as their first concern. Heightened communication was discussed as well as policy and procedure for emergency events. “We are confident that the situation was handled extremely well by those involved,� Director of Emergency Services Sylvain Gauthier said. “And we acknowledge
that there are always ways to improve existing procedures. “That was the main purpose of the debriefing session.� “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the people who reacted so quickly to the situation and are responsible for the positive outcome of this incident,�Mayor Mary Sjostrom added.
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