The TSB has completed this investigation. The report was published on 9 January 2024.
Pipeline rupture and fire
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
8-inch Simonette Lateral natural gas pipeline
Near Fox Creek, Alberta
The occurrence
On 07 April 2022, at approximately 0323 Mountain Daylight Time, an 8-inch (219.1 mm) pipeline operated by NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. transporting sweet natural gas ruptured about 64 km west of Fox Creek, Alberta. Following the rupture, the natural gas ignited, resulting in a fire. Approximately 3 750 000 m3 of natural gas was released. The fire, which lasted about 4 hours, burned a 12 000 m2 area. There were no injuries, and no evacuation was required.
Media materials
News release
External corrosion led to 2022 gas pipeline rupture and fire near Fox Creek, Alberta
Read the news release
Deployment notice
TSB is deploying a team of investigators following the release and ignition of natural gas from a NOVA Gas Transmission Limited pipeline near Fox Creek, Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, 8 April 2022 — The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is deploying a team of investigators following the release and ignition of natural gas from a NOVA Gas Transmission Limited pipeline near Fox Creek, Alberta. The TSB will gather information and assess the occurrence.
Investigation information
P22H0023
Pipeline rupture and fire
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
8-inch Simonette Lateral natural gas pipeline
Near Fox Creek, Alberta
Investigator-in-charge
Adam McRae is an Engineering Specialist/ Senior Investigator, Pipeline. He previously worked at Natural Resources Canada, where he was conducting oil and gas air emission research. Prior to this, Adam spent 5 years in Calgary, Alberta, designing, building, and commissioning oil and gas flow measurement equipment both in Canada and internationally. He was previously based in Shanghai, China, with engineering consultancy Golder Associates working on a variety of projects, mainly in mining and environmental assessment. Mr. McRae holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
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Class of investigation
This is a class 3 investigation. These investigations analyze a small number of safety issues, and may result in recommendations. Class 3 investigations are generally completed within 450 days. For more information, see the Policy on Occurrence Classification.
TSB investigation process
There are 3 phases to a TSB investigation
- Field phase: a team of investigators examines the occurrence site and wreckage, interviews witnesses and collects pertinent information.
- Examination and analysis phase: the TSB reviews pertinent records, tests components of the wreckage in the lab, determines the sequence of events and identifies safety deficiencies. When safety deficiencies are suspected or confirmed, the TSB advises the appropriate authority without waiting until publication of the final report.
- Report phase: a confidential draft report is approved by the Board and sent to persons and corporations who are directly concerned by the report. They then have the opportunity to dispute or correct information they believe to be incorrect. The Board considers all representations before approving the final report, which is subsequently released to the public.
For more information, see our Investigation process page.
The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.