MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
A widespread natural gas odor reported across Hutchinson Monday morning was traced to a container of gas odorant at a local scrap yard, according to the Hutchinson Fire Department.
Firefighters were dispatched at 10:37 a.m. Monday to 18 W. B St. after a report of the smell of natural gas. While crews were responding, dispatchers received numerous additional calls from residents across the city reporting the same odor.
After searching the area, firefighters determined the source was at the Midwest Scrap yard near Bigger Street and Adams Street. Crews located a container of gas odorant, the substance added to natural gas to give it its distinctive "rotten egg" smell.
Fire officials emphasized there was no natural gas leak and no danger to the public.
"The odor was caused by the gas odorant only," the department said. "There is no emergency."
The Hutchinson Fire Department also thanked residents who reported the smell, noting that calling 911 when an unexplained gas odor is detected is the appropriate response.
Officials said they encourage the public to continue reporting suspected gas leaks or unusual gas odors so emergency responders can quickly investigate and ensure public safety.