According to a press release from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the county is experiencing an usually large number of Fire/EMS runs this morning as a result of a gas odor in the area.

This apparently is originating from Marion County. Deputy Bryant Orem stated in the release that the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Dept. has had conversations with the gas company in Marion County and they have had a release of Mercaptan. This is the odor added to natural gas. Mercaptan is not dangerous. It is added to natural gas due to natural gas having no odor in its natural state. There has been a release of the odorant at the Rock Island Plant on 96th street in Marion County.

However, local fire and EMS officials urge residents to ventilate their homes as they deem necessary. Some people may experience headaches or nausea if exposed to large doses. If this happens, seek medical attention and get into fresh air.