Elmore homes evacuated after report of fumes

11/16/2000

ELMORE - About a dozen people were evacuated from their homes as a precaution last night after Ottawa County officials said they received complaints of strong gasoline or chemical fumes arising from sewers on the east side of the village.

The center of the evacuation zone was Rice Street and State Rt. 51. It included 20 to 30 businesses, as well as 15 to 18 houses, Mike Drusbacky, Ottawa County emergency management agency deputy director, said.

Fumes were first reported at a pizza parlor at 7:30 p.m. As of 10:15 p.m., officials from an Ottawa County hazardous materials team and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency had not determined what was causing the smell, Mr. Drusbacky said.

Nobody apparently required treatment. Those who were displaced are staying with family or friends, Jim Greer, county EMA director, said.