March 15--An unidentified odor caused a local health center to evacuate for more than four hours Thursday, March 14, while fire crews checked for a cause.
Fire marshal Robert Loveless said firefighters were dispatched to the Community Health Center of Lubbock in the 1300 block of Broadway shortly before 2 p.m. for a possible gas leak. However, Loveless said the source of the odor was not determined.
"As a precaution, we're gonna get everyone out of the building until we can rule it safe," Loveless said.
Around 9 a.m., employees smelled an odor and evacuated the building but didn't call the fire department. Firefighters received the call after the mystery odor became stronger in the afternoon.
Two people were transported to a local hospital as a precaution according to Michael Sullivan, health center CEO.
The fire department will recheck the center at 7 a.m. today before business is resumed, Sullivan said.
Loveless said the unknown odor was contained to the health center and wind may have cleared it from the area.
Hazmat units were called to the scene and fire officials determined how big of an area -- if any -- needed to be evacuated, he said.
Firefighters also searched the building to locate the source of the odor and determine if it stems from carbon monoxide or natural gas.
"It's always safety first until you know what you're dealing with," Loveless said.
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