Liberty High School in Renton cleared its building of roughly 1,400 students and staff on October 14, 2025, after someone reported smelling natural gas inside the campus.
The Issaquah School District confirmed the evacuation took place that morning at the East Renton Highlands school. Principal Andrew Brownson made the call to empty the building while emergency crews investigated.
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Fire Department Clears Building After Investigation
Local fire department units arrived at the school and began checking the building for gas leaks. Firefighters inspected gas lines, ventilation systems, and other potential sources of the odor.
After completing their assessment, fire officials determined the building was safe. Students and staff returned to the campus once authorities gave clearance.
“Out of an abundance of caution, Liberty High students and staff were temporarily evacuated this morning due to the smell of natural gas,” Brownson stated in the district announcement. “Our local fire department arrived quickly, assessed the situation and determined it was safe for students” to return.
The district did not specify what caused the gas smell or whether investigators found an actual leak. No injuries were reported during the evacuation.
School Serves 1,500 Students in South Issaquah District
Liberty High School sits at 16655 SE 136th Street in Renton and enrolls approximately 1,530 students across grades 9 through 12. The school serves communities including East Renton Highlands, Mirrormont, Newcastle, and portions of Issaquah and Bellevue.
The campus opened in 1977 and underwent major renovations between 2011 and 2015. District voters approved a $20 million modernization project that added new classroom wings, science labs, and updated building systems.
Gas Odors Trigger Evacuations at Schools Nationwide
Schools regularly evacuate when staff detect gas odors, even when investigations find no actual leaks. The precautionary response protects students while trained personnel assess potential hazards.
A Liberty High School in Hillsboro, Oregon faced a similar situation in September 2024. Kitchen staff noticed an unusual smell around 10:30 AM and activated fire alarms. Hillsboro Fire and Rescue found no leaks after checking vents and gas sources throughout the building. Students returned to class within 30 minutes.
Washington High School in Kansas City, Kansas canceled classes completely on September 29, 2025, after staff reported a gas odor. Kansas Gas Service located and repaired a leak on a customer-owned line near the school’s dock area. Classes resumed the following day.
Renton High School, located in the same city as Liberty High, evacuated in October 2021 when construction workers accidentally damaged a gas line while digging near campus. Crews repaired the line and students returned to class within an hour.
Emergency Protocols Require Immediate Building Clearance
Natural gas companies add a sulfur-like scent to the otherwise odorless gas so people can detect leaks. School staff are trained to evacuate immediately when they notice the distinctive smell, then contact emergency services.
Fire departments use specialized equipment to measure gas concentrations and locate leak sources. They check areas where gas lines run, inspect appliances and heating systems, and test air quality before allowing building re-entry.
The October incident at Liberty High School followed standard emergency response procedures. District officials worked with fire department personnel to verify building safety before resuming normal operations.
School evacuations due to gas concerns remain relatively common but rarely result in serious incidents when staff follow proper protocols and emergency responders can quickly assess the situation.
