Alpharetta office park reopens after report of gas smell

Authorities evacuated an office park in Alpharetta after a smell of gas with high levels of carbon monoxide was reported Monday morning.

Alpharetta and Milton fire crews investigated the smell at a building off Marconi Drive, Alpharetta officials said in a tweet. The building was evacuated as a precaution before the all-clear was given, and it was reopened by noon, according to a police spokesman.

Crews with Atlanta Gas Light determined that natural gas and carbon monoxide were not present, and the smell was caused by an electric forklift being charged.

Alpharetta fire is working a smell of gas with high levels of CO2 off of Marconi Dr. All personnel have evacuated the building safely. Fire is actively investigating. pic.twitter.com/wagAxCMLB4
— AlpharettaPublicSafety (@AlpharettaDPS) September 13, 2021

“We remind customers that as a safety precaution, we add a chemical odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it an odor often associated with rotten eggs,” a spokesman for the company said in a statement. “This distinctive scent allows you to smell a potential leak. If you suspect one has occurred, always leave the area immediately.”

Anytime a leak is suspected, the company suggests calling 911 or the Atlanta Gas Light 24-hour emergency phone line at 1-877-427-4321.

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