HOUSTON – After reports of a gas-like odor moving through Houston on Wednesday, officials at CenterPoint Energy said in a tweet Wednesday that they have not detected any leaks.
The smell prompted an evacuation about 9:30 a.m. at the Houston Municipal Courts building at Lubbock Street and Houston Avenue.
A person at the scene reported that people were briefly evacuated from the courthouse before the all-clear was given and operations resumed.
That was followed by multiple reports of the odor moving through parts of the city.
Houston firefighters said in a tweet that they had received several reports of the smell across the northeast part of the city, and that crews are working with CenterPoint Energy to locate the source.
The Houston Office of Emergency Management said in a tweet that the odor was moving south-southwest, and no hazardous gas has been detected.
Firefighters said that there is no shelter in place at this time, but recommended people stay inside.
Reports of natural gas odor in downtown Houston. CenterPoint Energy told me crews have checked out the areas but haven’t found any gas leaks at this time.
Posted by KPRC2 Brittany Jeffers on Wednesday, October 24, 2018
I just spoke with @CNPalerts representative who says crews have been dispatched to several areas in central #Houston after reports of natural gas-like odors. @HoustonFire also responding. Crews haven’t found any leaks. They don’t know what the odor is. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/JqQ3j8DxBJ
— Brittany Jeffers (@KPRC2BrittanyJ) October 24, 2018
At this time, our crews have not detected any natural gas leaks in the Houston area. We will continue to investigate and monitor the situation.
— CenterPoint Energy (@CNPalerts) October 24, 2018
.@HoustonFire is responding to reports of a strong gas moving south/southwest, originating downtown. No hazardous gas has been detected. https://t.co/b0HRPRd2kv
— Houston OEM (@HoustonOEM) October 24, 2018
We have received calls this morning in regards to reports of natural gas-like odors in central Houston area and have dispatched crews to investigate further. We will provide more information as it becomes available. Learn more about natural gas safety: https://t.co/5GALxiky9d
— CenterPoint Energy (@CNPalerts) October 24, 2018
HFD is receiving multiple calls about a gas odor across the NE side of the city. We are working with Centerpoint to locate the source. There is no shelter in place, but if you don’t have to go out, stay indoors.
— Houston Fire Dept (@HoustonFire) October 24, 2018