CHESTERFIELD, Va. -- Chesterfield fire officials say tenants are being allowed back into their units at the Meadowbrook apartment complex following a gas leak that occurred just after noon.
As a safety precaution, Chesterfield fire officials say they evacuated tenants from 50 units because of the leak.
Richmond gas responded to the event and then contacted the fire department, who responded along with Chesterfield Police.
Richmond's Department of Public Utilities provides natural gas to tenants in this apartment complex who use it for heat, hot water, and cooking.
Spokesperson Angela Fountain tells CBS 6, that once city crews repair the gas line they will go door to door with the apartment's maintenance staff to re-light the furnace in each unit.
Pam Walls stopped by her mom's apartment to check on the cats, and rushed to get them out.
"One by one, I took them to the car…just to get them out of the apartment. And I got out of there," said Pam Walls. "I smelled it when I first walked in. So, I knew something….I wouldn't have said it was gas. But I knew it didn't smell right."
Chesterfield Fire officials say one person complained of feeling sick, but was treated at the scene.
At one point, tenants were told to go to the Meadowdale Library during the evacuation.
No word yet on when that gas line will be repaired.
