Chattanooga: Unusual odor forces evacuation of elementary school

Chattanooga firefighters were on the scene at Brown Academy near UTC this morning after an unusual odor was reported and the school evacuated.

“We investigating an unusual odor. It’s not a strong odor but it is unusual,” fire department spokesman Bruce Garner said. “They evacuated the school as a precaution.”

Chattanooga Gas Co. workers were also at the school, he said. Workers were using gas monitors to check the area, he said.

Hamilton County Schools spokeswoman Danielle Clark said students and school staff were evacuated to a nearby church.

Mr. Garner said at 8:45 a.m. students and staff were allowed back into the school and the matter was being turned over to school maintenance staff.