Hannaford Evacuated Sunday Due to Gas 'Odor'

The Hampton Hannaford was temporarily closed Sunday after crews evacuated the grocery store as a precaution due to an "odor of gas," according to Hampton Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Ayotte.

The fire department arrived on scene at about 9:18 a.m. Sunday after individuals within the store noticed a "small odor of gas," said Ayotte. He said it was a "very simple isolated issue" that was determined to be a "faulty heater" after investigators with the department and Unitil evacuated the store.

No one was injured or needed medical attention, he said.

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Unitil Media Relations Manager Alec O'Meara said his company arrived on scene at about 9:30 a.m. He said the store was "red tagged" due to the odor, and the gas system was "shut down" until a private technician repaired the issue.

O'Meara said a "red tag" means there is a system "in need of repair," and that it can't be used until necessary repairs are completed and an inspector has evaluated those repairs.

The store was open for business Monday morning. It was unclear when Hannaford reopened, although the store was closed when Unitil and the fire department left the scene Sunday at 10 a.m. and 10:05 a.m., respectively.

Hannaford employees declined to comment on the evacuation Monday. Hannaford's corporate office couldn't immediately be reached for comment.