Gas Leak Forces Temporary Evacuation of H-F Racquet Club

A gas leak at the forced early-bird patrons to be evacuated at 5 a.m. Monday.

According to Assistant Fire Chief Clint Johnson, the received a call from the Racquet Club at 4:50 a.m. with a complaint of a strong natural gas odor.

Johnson said the fire crew arrived and inspected the building, finding a small leak in one of the pipe-fittings in the laundry room. The leak was repaired, but the strong odor of gas remained outside the building.

Nicor Gas Co. was called and worked together with the Fire Department to determine an additional gas leak emitting from the roof. Johnson said the damage is likely a result of the recent heavy snowfall.

The two crews were able to reach the leak and secure it, finishing by 6:45 a.m. Members were allowed back into the H-F Racquet Club once repairs were completed.