UPDATE: School evacuated following report of possible gas leak

An investigation wrapped up Monday morning after a reported gas leak led to the evacuation of students and faculty at Mountain Home High School.

The evacuation came after school officials detected what was reported as an “unusual aroma” throughout the school’s hallways around 8:50 a.m. that raised concerns about a potential gas leak.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Mountain Home Fire Department was immediately contacted and advised the evacuation of all students and staff,” said city spokesperson Nikki Stornetta.

It took several minutes for students, teachers and staff members to evacuate from the building which proceeded smoothly and efficiently, Stornetta said. They followed all safety protocols per the school’s district policy with no injuries or medical issues reported among the school’s students, staff members or faculty, she added.

Crews from Intermountain Gas and the city fire department then conducted a comprehensive building inspection. They determined the high school building was safe with no gas leak detected.

Students resumed their normal class schedules within 30 minutes of the initial emergency call.

“We extend our gratitude to the Mountain Home Fire Department for their rapid response and professional assessment as well as to Intermountain Gas for their thorough inspection services,” Stornetta said in a press release shared with the Mountain Home News.