The evacuation zone surrounding the source of a gas odour in downtown Wheatley was expanded on Thursday evening.
Chatham-Kent Fire Chief Chris Case confirmed the "strong" odour is hydrogen sulfide gas, the same gas that caused the 2021 explosion in downtown Wheatley that damaged and destroyed several buildings and injured 20 people.
The chief said fire crews arrived at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday to find gas and water bubbling up from an area behind the library in the core.
Chatham-Kent police said residents on Foster Street between Victoria Street North and Erie Street North were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure and to ensure their safety.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, the evacuation zone was expanded to include everyone living or having a business within a 100-metre radius of the site. This included 60 homes.
Police said a temporary shelter has been established at the local arena at 196 Erie Street North for those displaced by the evacuation.
Emergency responders are on scene to manage the situation, according to police, and they urge the public to stay away from the area until further notice.
"We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to resolve this issue," CK police said, adding that further updates will be provided as they become available.
Chief Case noted the Windsor hazardous materials team is on the way to help along with scientists from the University of Windsor.
Students at a school in the area also left safely, said police.
Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue also said gas monitoring is taking place in the area.
"This is the last thing we wanted to see. We know this is a terrible thing to happen again," said Chief Case.
Entegrus said it has temporarily disconnected the power in the area at the request of CK Fire for safety reasons, adding the power will be restored once authorization is received from emergency services.
Also on scene Thursday evening were representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Ontario Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris has scheduled a news conference for Friday morning in Wheatley.
-with files from Mark Brown