PLYMOUTH – Firefighters in Luzerne County said the odor of natural gas, and the lack of heat, led administrators to send students and staff home early at Wyoming Valley West High School.
Luzerne County 911 dispatchers say the school was put on lockdown Friday morning, when people inside and outside the building reported that they could smell the odor of natural gas.
Plymouth Fire Company Chief Rob Meyers told Newswatch 16 that officials traced the odor back to a malfunctioning regulator, which connects a natural gas line to the school’s boilers.
"The regulator is releasing some gas outside. It`s actually doing its job, but it’s not supposed to be doing it on a constant basis,” said Meyers.
Dottie Bukuski said she rushed to the high school, when she received a recorded phone call from administrators.
"I was quite worried because I didn`t know what was happening you know,” said Bukuski. “I drive my grandson back and forth every day, so I came to pick him up as soon as I got the call.”
Officials said the regulator and boiler must be fixed and inspected before the heating system can be turned back on.
School employees said no one reported that they felt sick during the incident.
Administrators at Wyoming Valley West Area School District did not return calls to Newswatch 16.
Malfunction with gas regulator connected to boiler blamed for odor at WVW High School. Early dismissal at 11:30am. pic.twitter.com/0jDh8jfrPn
— Bill Wadell (@BillWadell) February 21, 2014