The Horseheads Fire Department responded to an unusually high number of calls concerning the smell of natural gas on Sunday. Together with neighboring fire departments and NYSEG, the utility company, officials conducted preliminary investigations which attributed the increase in odor to a high concentration of the additive mercaptan in the gas lines.
Despite the intensified smell, the fire department reassured the public of safety, using air monitoring meters to check the affected areas. The authorities confirmed that the presence of a stronger odor does not necessarily indicate a gas leak. However, thorough site investigations are required to rule out any actual leaks.
Residents experiencing the gas odor were urged to evacuate the area and contact emergency services or NYSEG from a safe location to prevent any potential hazards.
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