A suspected gas leak prompted school officials to evacuate Albert Lea High School Tuesday after students and staff in the band room area complained about a strong smell.

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

A suspected gas leak prompted school officials to evacuate Albert Lea High School Tuesday after students and staff in the band room area complained about a strong smell.

As more than 1,300 students filed out of the building, seven firefighters arrived about 11:45 a.m. to inspect the school’s gas system. A utility worker from Alliant Energy was also called to the scene. According to Fire Chief Rich Sydnes, the crew inspected everything from the kitchen to the science labs – anywhere gas lines came into the building – but could not detect a leak. Sydnes suspects the smell originated outside somewhere and was brought into the building through an air intake unit.

&uot;It could have come in from outside through the air conditioning system, but we just don’t know the cause,&uot; he said.

The crew also conducted a thorough inspection of the surrounding area, but found no outdoor leaks.

Principal Al Root said the smell of gas dissipated quickly after it was reported, and the responding firefighters could not smell it themselves. Several air tests revealed no natural gas in the air.

&uot;In a case like this, we don’t take any chances. I felt like it was better to be safe than sorry,&uot; he said.

Students stood outside for more than twenty minutes while authorities inspected the building, Root said.

After officials were satisfied there was no danger, the students were allowed back into the building in time for lunch.

Though the school has a few natural gas lines, most of the building is heated and cooled by a geothermal system using several wells under the parking lot on the north side of the school grounds.