More Than 100 Calls Prompt Multi-Agency Response to Mysterious Gas Odor in Anoka County
Published: December 31st, 2025 |
ANOKA COUNTY MN: Emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to more than 100 calls Tuesday after residents across parts of Anoka County reported smelling a strong odor commonly associated with natural gas.
According to the Anoka-Champlin Fire Department, calls began coming in around 2:30 p.m. on December 30, centered near 7th Avenue and 38th Avenue. While Anoka-Champlin firefighters were investigating, similar reports were received by the Andover Fire Department in the same general area.
CenterPoint Energy was immediately requested to respond as fire crews worked to determine the source of the odor. As reports continued to increase, a Unified Command was established, involving the Anoka-Champlin, Andover, and Coon Rapids fire departments, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Anoka County Emergency Management, and representatives from CenterPoint Energy and Great Northern Gas.
Officials initially received a report suggesting a chemical used to odorize natural gas — often described as smelling like rotten eggs — may have been spilled. That report was later confirmed to be connected to an incident in another state and was not related to the situation in Anoka County.
Throughout the response, crews conducted extensive air monitoring. Officials say no flammable gas was detected at any location, and despite thorough investigations, the source of the odor was never identified.
By approximately 9 p.m., call volume had dropped off completely. With no gas detected and no ongoing reports, Unified Command was stood down and normal operations resumed. CenterPoint Energy crews remained in the area later into the night as a precaution.
The Anoka-Champlin Fire Department emphasized there was no identified threat to public safety and said every call to 911 or CenterPoint Energy was fully investigated.
Officials remind the public that any suspected gas odor should always be taken seriously. Anyone who smells gas is urged to call 911 immediately.