Gas-like odor reported throughout San Antonio due to ‘significant release’ of mercaptan, SAFD says; no threat to public

SAN ANTONIO – A “significant release” of mercaptan occurred on San Antonio’s south side on Wednesday morning, prompting several 911 calls from people believing it was a gas leak.

The San Antonio Fire Department said mercaptan is a chemical used to give gas its distinctive odor.

“While it smells like gas, it is not harmful on its own,” SAFD said in a news release.

The release occurred earlier Wednesday morning.

However, several TheTXLoop viewers reported they still smell the odor throughout the city, including near Lackland Air Force Base.

SAFD said 911 received multiple calls about the smell. There is no danger to the public, SAFD said.

TheTXLoop reached out to Lackland Air Force Base, which confirmed there was a strong odor of gas near its base.