An emergency order has finally been lifted in Wheatley, more than three years after a gas explosion rocked the town’s downtown core. During a ceremony at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre on Thursday, municipal staff and politicians gathered to sign an order terminating the emergency in Wheatley. “It’s been a very emotional time for everybody. We can’t ignore the fact that the community has been resilient, they’ve been passionate,” said Fire Chief Chris Case. The emergency order was issued on July 19, 2021, following the detection of hydrogen sulphide gas. Just over a month later, on August 26, 2021, a gas explosion destroyed several properties around 15 Erie St. N, resulting in significant evacuations.