Energy · Sunray gas warningSunray gas odor: Fire department warns residents after system over-odorizationAired October 25, 2026 at 2:38 AM UTCWritten October 25, 2026 at 2:46 AM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:07Sunray's Fire Department warns residents to leave buildings if they smell gas0:11indoors.0:11The city's natural gas system has been over-odorized, which can make the warning0:15smell stronger than usual.0:17Residents mustn't assume that explains away a possible danger inside their homes.0:20It's still unclear whether the over-odorization has been corrected.0:23The Sunray Volunteer Fire Department issued its safety notice on October 23rd.0:28The warning concerns the city's natural gas system, and the department specifically0:32cautioned residents against treating a strong odor as harmless.0:35The smell comes from something utilities add to the gas.0:38Natural gas has no odor in its natural state.0:41Utilities add an odorant that smells similar to rotten eggs so people can recognize0:46a possible leak.0:47Over-odorization means there's excess warning odorant in the system that can explain0:51a stronger smell, but it doesn't tell you whether gas is leaking inside a particular0:55home, so an indoor odor still calls for action.0:58If you smell gas indoors, leave and move somewhere safe.1:01Avoid electrical switches, flames, and sparks.1:04The department also advises opening windows.1:06Call 911 from a safe location if the odor persists or you're concerned.1:10The department's ignition warning applies to anything that could create a spark.1:14Its instruction is to avoid operating electrical switches as well as open flames.1:18Those precautions accompany the instruction to get out when gas is smelled indoors.1:22The window advice doesn't cancel the instruction to leave.1:24If you smell gas indoors, don't interpret ventilation as a reason to remain in a1:28potentially unsafe building.1:30The departure instruction applies to the building where you smell gas.1:33The department tells residents to make that 911 call from a safe location.1:37Its instruction gives two reasons to call: the odor continues, or you have concerns.1:42Get to safety rather than staying inside to report the smell.1:46By Saturday evening, there was still no confirmed official all-clear or restoration1:50time.1:51The warning can't yet be described as lifted.1:53Excess odorant can explain a stronger smell, but residents should still leave a1:57building if they smell gas indoors.Explore with HeyDexFollow via RSSThe shortThe short ↗
