HOUSTON – A strong smell of natural gas reported across parts of the Houston area Thursday afternoon led to multiple emergency responses, including evacuations at a Lone Star College campus, according to officials.
Authorities in Tomball, Channelview, and northwest Harris County all acknowledged reports from residents describing a strong gas odor lingering in the air.
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At this time, officials have not announced the exact source of the odor or whether there is any ongoing danger to the public. Investigations remain ongoing.
Residents who smell natural gas are encouraged to avoid open flames, leave the area if necessary, and report concerns to local authorities or CenterPoint Energy.
KPRC 2 has contacted CenterPoint Energy for more information on the situation.
Reports out of Tomball
According to the Tomball Fire Department, the smell may be connected to a reported “release” in the Channelview area involving CenterPoint Energy infrastructure.
A Tomball emergency official told KPRC 2 that dispatch scanners were “blowing up” with calls from concerned residents reporting the smell of natural gas.
Officials said the information they received indicated the odor may have been drifting from the Interstate 45 corridor.
Reports of Channelview connection
In east Harris County, the Channelview Fire Department confirmed it was actively investigating the situation.
Lone Star College Evacuation
The smell also prompted emergency action at Lone Star College-Houston North Fallbrook campus.
In a Facebook post, the Lone Star College Police Department instructed people on campus to evacuate immediately.
Roughly 30 minutes later, officials issued an all-clear notice, stating the campus was safe and normal operations could resume.
Officials with Lone Star College confirmed to KPRC 2 that the evacuation was due to a gas odor. The all-clear was announced when officials learned the campus was not the source of the odor.