Gas leak in science classroom forces school evacuation

Students were relocated from the high school, seen here, to the Community Center while the source of the leak was confirmed. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Rochester Fire responded to a gas leak on Wednesday at Spaulding High School.

The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. as firefighters responded to a fire alarm and subsequent 911 call from Spaulding High School reporting that the alarm was pulled as a result of a strong odor of gas inside the building.

The building was evacuated as a precaution, and students and staff were housed inside the Rochester Community Center during the response.

Firefighters isolated the odor to a science classroom and identified a leaking gas main as the source. The gas main was then shut off and Unitil was called to help further pinpoint the leak. The Rochester Schools will work with a third party gas fitter to conduct repairs.

The building was reopened to students and staff after approximately 25 minutes.