PAINESVILLE, Ohio (WJW) -- A natural gas odor reported throughout Painesville on Monday, March 3, was caused by excess mercaptan, the chemical additive that gives natural gas its rotten-egg smell, fire officials said.
Painesville Fire Chief Thomas Hummel Jr. in a news release said the department responded that morning to "a spike of calls" reporting natural gas odors throughout the city, both indoors and outdoors.
Natural gas utility companies told firefighters they changed natural gas suppliers over the weekend, and that the odor was caused by too much mercaptan added to the supply, which can cause a lingering odor when appliances start up. Since natural gas is odorless, the chemical helps identify gas leaks.
Enbridge Gas, Northeast Ohio Natural Gas and Painesville firefighters are expected to respond to every gas odor call.
"Please do not hesitate to call 911 if you smell natural gas," Hummel wrote. "Evacuate the building and wait for the fire department."
For non-emergency questions and concerns, call the fire department at 440-392-5848.