Fiery natural gas pipeline rupture in Yellowhead County prompts Alberta Wildfire response [Video]

A pipeline reportedly exploded west of Edmonton late Tuesday morning, sending up a large plume of flames and smoke that was visible from many kilometres away.

It happened around 11 a.m. in Yellowhead County, northwest of Edson and northeast of Hinton along Emerson Creek Road. The fire was visible from a considerable distance, including along Highway 16.

There are several gas plants and gas wells in that region and the pipeline in question is operated by TC Energy.

The energy company said it responded to a pipeline rupture involving the NGTL natural gas system approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Edson in Yellowhead County.

“TC Energy received notification about this incident at approximately 11 a.m. MT and immediately activated our emergency response procedures,” a statement said, adding the company was co-ordinating with first responders.

The NGTL is TC Energy’s natural gas gathering and transportation system for the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB).

The system transports natural gas from …