158PM UPDATE

815AM UPDATE

Just received a call from Hawthorne Village PS and school classes are on for today despite the fire damage and Union Gas workers across the street. 

745AM UPDATE

It looks like half the homes have been brought back online throughout the night by Union Gas workers.  Many of you have emailed me around 2 or 3 AM saying that they were there…wow thats amazing.  Union Gas stated this morning they are looking at getting everyone back up by later on this morning.  If someone can stay home today as they go around or if you can have a neighbour with your key it could speed things up.  If not, they will leave a contact number and as soon as you get home … call and they will have someone out very soon.

Again, I will try to find out how we can help this family out because I along with other people have been blown away by the tweets, emails and phone calls of concern and support fo this family, especially at this time of year.  I was just on air with Scott Fox from Z1035 Morning Show (click HERE for the interview)and HE’S been called as well by hundreds of people on how they can help out.  THIS is why Milton is the best place in the world!  Updates will be coming soon.

1149PM UPDATE

Some gas services have been restored for homes in the affected area.  I was at the warming centre at EC Drury earlier this evening and spoke with the represetnatives at Union Gas.  The number of homes affected are approximately 500, instead of the originally reported 1200.  They are running into some delays due to water in the pipelines that has to be removed.

Ive asked them to send me updates as the process goes and I’ll do my best to update this site as it comes in.

I spoke with Regional Chair Gary Carr (who is at the warming station as we speak) and he updated me that the union gas worker who was injured suffered second degree burns to his face and is at Milton Hospital with family.  Everything looks good so far.

I also wanted to say big thanks to other Milton Councillors who came out to the warming station to lend a hand.  Regional Councillor Colin Best, Ward 2 Councillor Greg Nelson and Ward 8 Councillor Zeeshan Hamid.  We have a great team and this just proves it more.

AGAIN…there is a warming centre at EC Drury set up for people with no heat and they will put families up at the Best Western overnight so please, if you are at home and its cold especially with small children, head out to that area.  Union Gas is doing what they can to get people up and running and it might be by the early hours of the morning before all service is restored.

Stay tuned!

806PM UPDATE

Ive uploaded CHCH News coverage of todays events.  They were there on the scene and did extensive coverage of today’s fire and have an interview with the home owner as well.  Great Job CHCH News.

Regarding homes that are currently in the process of having their gas turned off, PLEASE NOTE that there is a warming centre at EC Drury School on Ontario Street.  It will get cold tonight and if youre by yourself, or dont think you can stay warm PLEASE go to the warming centre.  Better safe than sorry.

More updates to come.

737PM UPDATE

For some more information on today’s events go to MILTONSEARCH.COM and their coverage of the fire.  Between tweets of todays events, phone calls from obviously stressed out and scared residents in Ward 6, its been a busy day.  Many people have been asking how they can help this family out.  From what Ive been told by Councillor Colin Best is that the Red Cross has been called in and taking care of the immediate needs of the family.  I should have more information tomorrow on how you can help out.

From the last news release I’ve received Mayor Gord Krantz is still on the scene from about 630PM onwards reviewing the progress.  Thanks to everyone who tweeted, re-tweeted updates from myself and others on the scene and for your generous inquiries to help people out.  THIS is what makes Milton the best place in the world.

Say a prayer for the family involved and I will have some more information tomorrow.

721PM UPDATE

NEWS RELEASE

December 15, 2010

Structural fire contained in Milton’s Beaty neighbourhood 

On Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at approximately 2:30 p.m., a structural fire occurred at the intersection of Clark Avenue and Bennett Blvd in Milton. The fire is suspected to have been caused by damage to a natural gas line.

The fire has now been extinguished by the Milton Fire Department, and the area is safe for residents.

Three of nine interconnected townhomes at the intersection of Clark and Bennett have been affected by the fire. Approximately 10 to 20 homes in the area were evacuated.

Non-life threatening injuries were sustained by one Union Gas worker, who is currently in hospital.

As part of the repair process, natural gas service to approximately 500 customers in the area may be temporarily interrupted. The natural gas supply has been shut off to the affected residential area of Yates Blvd to the north, Thompson Road to the west, Clark Blvd to the south and Bennett and McDowell Avenues to the east.

Please note that Union Gas representatives will need to enter affected homes and businesses to safely turn on all natural gas appliances and equipment. Union Gas employees or their representatives showing proper identification will be going door-to-door to do this. If residents cannot be at home, please consider leaving a key and access instructions with a neighbour.

In the unlikely event that your home has no heat and you do not have friends or family nearby to visit, Halton Region has opened a warming centre in the auditorium of E.C. Drury High School at 215 Ontario Street South in Milton. The centre will be open as long as needed. Families are advised to bring books, activities, etc., to keep children entertained during their time at the centre. No pets will be allowed in the warming centre.

Please ensure at least one member of your household remains at home as Union Gas representatives need to turn on all natural gas appliances and equipment in affected homes in order to restore gas service.

For continued updates, contact 311 or visit www.milton.ca until the situation has been resolved. For Union Gas customer service, call 1-877-969-0999.

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For further information, please contact:         On Duty Staff Sergeant

                                                                        Halton Regional Police Service
905-825-4777 ext. 2400

                                                                        Andrea Stass

                                                                        Manager, Public Affairs and Media Relations

                                                                        Union Gas Limited

                                                                        519-365-1010