Oak Forest-Area Smell Is Not Natural Gas, Source Unknown: Nicor

OAK FOREST, IL — The rotten egg-like smell that permeated Oak Forest, Midlothian and surrounding areas Thursday is not natural gas and the source is unknown, authorities said. But they said it is safe to go outside.

Jennifer Golz, a spokeswoman with Nicor Gas, said that the company did not perform work in the area and that the smell is not natural gas. She said the company, however, is investigating.

"We are not conducting a blow-down in the area, and we are aware of calls coming from people thinking it is a natural-gas smell. We are confident it is not natural gas," she said.

Golz added that Nicor notifies residents before such occurs.

Earlier in the day, officials from the Midlothian Fire Department said on Facebook that Nicorn performed a "gas purge"in Markham and the odor of gas drifted toward Oak Forest, Midlothian and surrounding communities. Residents across those areas flooded fire departments with complaints. They said that weather conditions caused an odorant to hover near the ground and even create pockets of scent in some areas.

It is not clear why Midlothian fire officials published that information or where it came from. A fireman who answered the phone said he didn't know anything about the post and said no one was available to answer questions. He declined to contact Chief Stephen Hotwagner or other supervisors and advised Patch to call again on Friday.

Natural gas is colorless and odorless, making undetected leaks dangerous. Companies add a scent to it called mercaptan, which gives it a rotten egg-like smell, to alert people to potential problems, according to Nicor's website.

"It is safe to go outside," Golz said.

However, if you smell gas inside your home, call 911. The fire department will respond and check for leaks and problems. You can also call 888.Nicor4U to report smells or leaks in your home.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.