05/25/2026
UPDATE – May 29, 2026 – Gas Odor Investigation Closure
Lake County Office of Emergency Management, Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue, Lake County Public Health Agency, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Xcel Energy, Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and numerous other state and local partners have completed the active phase of the gas odor investigation in the E. 13th Street area.
Throughout the investigation, responders conducted extensive air monitoring, site assessments, excavation activities, utility investigations, and laboratory analysis. No conditions requiring evacuation or shelter-in-place actions were identified at any time during the incident, and no public health threat was identified by responding agencies.
Laboratory analysis identified ethyl mercaptan, the odorant commonly added to propane, as the source of the odor. The odor has largely dissipated, and monitoring has not identified ongoing hazardous conditions.
As an additional precaution, Leadville/Lake County Fire Rescue will continue periodic air monitoring in the area over the coming weeks.
Lake County would like to thank the residents of the area for their patience and cooperation, as well as the many local, state, federal, and private-sector partners who assisted with the investigation.
If you detect a strong gas odor in the future, leave the area and call 911 immediately.
Receive critical emergency alerts by registering for Lake County Emergency Alerts:
https://public.everbridge.net/sign-up?orgId=892807736726383/alerts
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UPDATE – 28 May 2026 – Gas Odor Investigation
LLCFR (Leadville Lake County Fire Rescue), the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), Xcel Energy and the Office of Emergency Management conducted another site visit today in response to reports of a gas odor in the E 13th St area on May 24th.
There remains no threat to the public. We want to share what we found and what's happening next.
The odor has greatly dissipated. Lab testing has confirmed it is associated with ethyl mercaptan, the odorant added to propane to give it its distinct smell. Because gas can travel underground through old pipe corridors and varying soil layers, the smell may appear in unexpected locations away from the actual source.
The odor has been identified and traced to a specific area using symmetrical sampling performed this afternoon.
What's next: Xcel Energy and LLCFR are on scene this evening to conduct an abandoned gas line investigation. They have deployed a team to efficiently locate the old gas lines in the alley, and a dig-team will dig them up and test them to ensure these are not related to the issue. LLCFR will continue monitoring and re-testing, but their comprehensive testing today found little to no gases or hazards remaining in the air, soil or structures for the 5th day in a row.
We will provide another update as the investigation progresses, and expect to wrap up this investigation this week.
If you notice a strong gas odor at your home or business, leave the area and call 911. Do not use light switches, open flames, or anything that could create a spark.
Receive critical Lake County emergency alerts: https://public.everbridge.net/sign-up?orgId=892807736726383/alerts
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UPDATE – May 27, 2026 – Gas Odor Investigation
No new developments to report. Leadville / Lake County Fire Rescue has continued air monitoring throughout the past 24 hours with no significant changes identified. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is scheduled to return tomorrow to continue investigations and testing.
Call 911 if you smell rotten eggs, natural gas, or experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
Lake County Emergency Management will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Receive critical Lake County emergency alerts: https://public.everbridge.net/sign-up?orgId=892807736726383/alerts
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UPDATE - May 26 2026 – Gas Odor Investigation
Lake County emergency responders, hazardous materials (HazMat) personnel, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continue to investigate the source of reported gas odors in the area. Air monitoring and assessment activities are ongoing.
At this time, monitoring has identified localized elevated readings in certain areas; however, responders have not identified conditions requiring evacuation or shelter-in-place actions. All responding agencies have deemed there to be no public health threat at this time. Fire, HazMat, and EPA personnel will continue investigating until the source is identified, and conditions are fully evaluated and resolved.
All responding agencies have deemed there to be no public health threat at this time.
Nearby residents are encouraged to:
- Avoid any areas marked or restricted by emergency personnel
- Limit time near locations where strong odors are present
- If you detect a strong odor inside or outside of your home or business, please close all doors and windows and call 911 immediately
- If you experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing, move to fresh air and seek medical attention / call 911
Additional updates will be provided as soon as new information becomes available.
Receive critical Lake County emergency alerts by registering, or updating your contact information, today - https://public.everbridge.net/sign-up?orgId=892807736726383/alerts
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UPDATE - May 25 2026, 5:00PM - Gas Odor Investigation
Emergency responders and partner agencies continue to investigate the source of the odor and elevated hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) readings reported in the E 13th St area on May 24.
At this time, no life safety concerns have been identified, and monitoring has not revealed any significant changes in conditions.
Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is assisting with the ongoing investigation and assessment efforts along with state and local partners. Residents may continue to notice occasional odors in the area.
As a precaution:
- Avoid any areas marked or restricted by emergency personnel
- Limit time near locations where strong odors are present
- If you detect a strong odor inside your home or business call 911 immediately
- If you detect a strong/ persistent odor outside your home, close windows and doors and call 911
- If you experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing, move to fresh air and seek medical attention/ call 911
Emergency personnel will continue monitoring conditions and investigating the source. Lake County Emergency Management will provide additional updates as information becomes available or conditions change. Call 911 for any medical emergency!
Receive critical Lake County emergency alerts by registering today - https://public.everbridge.net/sign-up?orgId=892807736726383/alerts
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⚠️ PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE – May 24 2026, 8:15PM - A hydrogen sulfide or sewer gas leak was identified near E 13th St. today. Local and state first responders we’re on scene from approximately 1:00 – 7:00 PM and have determined there is no immediate threat to the public. Responders will monitor the area continuously throughout the evening. The area of concern has been flagged, and in an abundance of caution, we ask you avoid the area until further notice.
No evacuations are being ordered at this time.
WHAT TO DO if you live in the area:
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Turn off HVAC systems and fans
- Call 911 immediately if you smell rotten eggs
Hydrogen sulfide smells like rotten eggs and can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation at low levels. Higher exposures can cause nausea, shortness of breath, or loss of consciousness. Those with asthma, respiratory problems, young children and older adults should take extra precautions. If you experience serious symptoms, call 911.
For more information on hydrogen sulfide health effects, visit: cdphe.colorado.gov/dehs/tox/hydrogen-sulfide-health.
Responding agencies include:
Leadville / Lake County Fire Rescue
St. Vincent Emergency Medical Services
Lake County 911 Emergency Communications Center
Xcel Energy
Colorado State HazMat
Lake County Office of Emergency Management
Lake County Public Health Agency
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
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