BUILDINGS in Fyshwick are being evacuated as a precaution following a gas leak.

ACT Fire & Rescue is on scene at the intersection of Newcastle and Pirie Streets where a contractor has ruptured a major gas line.

An exclusion zone has also been put in place.

Update to follow.

12:04

A 200 metre exclusion zone is currently in place around the ruptured gas pipe outside the front of The Canberra Times building on the corner of Newcastle and Pirie streets.

Occupants of The Canberra Times and nearby buildings are evacuated.

Gas contractors have starting digging down to the pipe on either side of the ruptured section to shut of the supply.

Firefighters are currently attempting to dissipate the gas into the atmosphere while the HAZMAT crew are undertaking atmospheric monitoring.

Access to Pirie Street is blocked at both entrances,Newcastle and Barrier Streets.

12:21

ACT Policing is diverting traffic in the area and ask motorist to stay away until the exclusion zone is lifted.

It’s anticipated the gas supply will be shut off within the next 30-45 minutes.

Firefighters are continuing atmospheric monitoring and dissipating gas into the atmosphere when readings indicate it’s presence.

12:34

Gas contractors have completed digging holes on either side of the ruptured section of pipe.

Clamps used to cut off the gas supply have now arrived on scene.

Over 100 people are estimated to have been evacuated.

ACT Fire & Rescue were alerted to the incident by an emergency triple zero (000) call from The Canberra Times.

13:21

Gas contractors have just cut off the gas supply on either side of the ruptured section of pipe.

Firefighters will continue working to dissipate the remaining gas before confirming, via the atmospheric monitoring the area is safe, allowing the exclusion zone to be lifted.

13:59

ACT Fire & Rescue has completed air monitoring and given the area the all clear.

Crews are packing up and starting to leave the scene.

14:32

The exclusion zone has been lifted, people allowed back into their buildings and the roads are reopened.

ACT Fire & Rescue has now departed the scene.

Gas contractors will now work to repair the damaged section of pipe.

14:50