Comox Valley RCMP and Courtenay Fire Department investigators are probing a major propone leak just after 1:30 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2012.

"We received an early morning call on the strong smell of propane in a laneway between Duncan and England Avenue on Fifth Street," explained Courtenay Fire Department Captain Dennis Henderson. "Crews actually found a half-inch steel gas pipe that had been broken off the building right at the facade and had been leaking for some time."

Henderson says crews acted quickly on the propane leak, immediately notifying Fortis Gas and Comox Valley RCMP.

"Crews shut off the gas meter and we had to coordinate with the RCMP to get a hold of all the building owners to come in and gain access to their structures. We needed to check to see if any gas had got inside the building envelope."

After a thorough check the all clear was given that everything was o-k, but RCMP are actively investigating what appears to be another case of vandalism in the downtown core.

Earlier this week a group of protesters touched off thousands of dollars in damage after a protest against a proposed local coal mine got out of control.

Police are still seeking suspects in that vandalism spree.

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