Prince George Fire Rescue personnel were called to the scene of a possible hazardous materials incident in downtown Prince George on Friday afternoon.
Just before 1 p.m., a pedestrian reported a noxious-smelling smoke and a bubbling sound coming from a grate in the sidewalk surrounding a planted tree on Seventh Avenue between Victoria and Brunswick, Fire Chief John Lane said.
Personnel called to the scene found a mildly acidic chemical and a crew was working to neutralize the chemical and excavate the affected soil, Lane said.
As of late Friday afternoon, the area remained cordoned off to drivers and walkers, with consultation ongoing with the federal hazardous material advisory centre and the Provincial Emergency Program.
