Strange smell around South Lake Tahoe this evening brings out fire, police, public works

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - For over three hours Thursday evening, calls were going into the dispatch center from residents and businesses in South Lake Tahoe about the smell of gas.

South Lake Tahoe Fire was joined by South Lake Tahoe Police, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office, South Lake Tahoe Public Works, Heavenly, and others to find the source of the gas smell.

So far, no source has been found.

Battalion Chief Al Martinez said the smell isn't like natural gas or propane, but smells more like burning oil.

By 8:30 p.m., crews were out at Cold Creek Trail, Cattleman's Trail, Johnson Blvd., Ottawa Drive, and Glenwood Way. Martinez said they drove around other areas too, trying to find the source of the smell.

Last year there was a similar smell that turned out to be a sanding truck with an engine issue, Martinez said.

Martinez said people should still call 9-1-1 if concerned about a gas smell, especially if indoors. They will investigate outside, too.