Homes Evacuated in Henrietta Due to Dangerous Gas Leak

Firefighters responded to reports of high gas levels at an unoccupied home, leading to a neighborhood evacuation.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Firefighters in Henrietta, New York evacuated several homes in the area of Farnsworth Drive South and Camelot Drive on Friday evening due to dangerous levels of natural gas detected at an unoccupied house. The gas leak was secured by RG&E crews, and residents were allowed to return home after about an hour once gas levels were deemed safe.

Why it matters

Gas leaks pose serious risks of explosion and fire, requiring swift action by first responders to evacuate nearby homes and secure the area. This incident highlights the importance of monitoring unoccupied properties and the need for quick coordination between fire, utility, and law enforcement personnel to mitigate gas-related emergencies.

The details

Firefighters responded around 6:15 pm to reports of a natural gas odor in the neighborhood. They traced the source to an unoccupied house, where dangerously high and explosive levels of gas were detected at the front door. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution while RG&E crews arrived to shut off the gas at the street valve and safely ventilate the home.

  • Firefighters responded around 6:15 pm on Friday, February 11, 2026.
  • Residents were allowed to return home around 8:30 pm once gas levels were deemed safe.

The players

Mark Cholach

Fire Chief who oversaw the emergency response.

RG&E

The local utility company that secured the gas leak.

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What they’re saying

“There were no injuries to my knowledge and a cause had not yet been determined.”

— Mark Cholach, Fire Chief (whec.com)

What’s next

Investigators will work to determine the cause of the gas leak at the unoccupied home.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt action by first responders to address potentially dangerous gas leaks, which can have catastrophic consequences for nearby residents if not quickly contained.