The Port Alberni Fire Department was called to the No Frills on Johnston Road at 3:42 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26 after reports of a coolant leak.
"There was a release of coolant from their compressor system for their refrigeration. It released a cloud of coolant, people were evacuated [to 200 feet away,"] said PAFD Acting Captain John Haley. "We came in and secured the area and proceeded to ventilate the area and keep people out."
No cause has yet been determined but according to PAFD Fire Chief Tim Pley, it may have been a mechanical failure.
"Occupants reported that they heard a noise and then the leak started."
By 7:45 p.m. the PAFD had given the store back to the owners who will close it to the public until they can open it again.
"Hopefully by tomorrow morning, but we don't know," said Pley.