Firefighters were able to isolate an ammonia leak at the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Ian Stewart Complex on Saturday morning.
Dozens of first responders were called to the sports centre around 9:45 a.m.
By the time firefighters arrived, a UVic technician was already on site.
“Our crews had managed to isolate the ammonia leak and make the area safe,” said Saanich Fire Assistant Deputy Chief Craig Ford.
“We turned the building back over to the UVic technician to do any notable repairs,” he said.
Story continues below
A fire truck is pictured at the Ian Stewart Complex on Jan. 13, 2024. (CHEK News)
A total of 60 firefighters from Oak Bay and Saanich responded to the scene, as well as paramedics.
However, no one was injured because of the ammonia leak, which was detected and contained to a mechanical area of the complex.
“Luckily we were able to isolate it in the mechanical area so it never made its way into the building,” said Ford.
“Also, it being the weekend, there was only one member on site so there was no need for an evacuation.”
Ford says it’s not clear how the leak started, and the cause is still under investigation.
Ammonia leaks can be dangerous, but Ford says in this case it was contained quickly.
He added that firefighters needed to keep an eye on how the cold weather affected their equipment.
“One of the things we’re not usually having to battle here in Victoria, but today we’re having to take some winter precautions – making sure we’re not having any lines freeze on the trucks,” said Ford.
SEE ALSO: Redevelopment plans for the Ian Stewart Complex will cut ice time, community groups say
Adam Chan
