Utica Gas Leak Closes 200 Block of Genesee Street, Evacuates Businesses Oct. 29

A gas leak traced to a failing basement boiler shut part of downtown Genesee Street and emptied several businesses on Thursday evening, Oct. 29, 2026, the Rome Sentinel reported, citing the Utica Fire Department.

What happened:

• 6:30 p.m. — Firefighters were called for a gas odor in the 700 block of Washington Street.
• Crews tracked the gas to a boiler in disrepair in the basement of 240–244 Genesee St. and checked gas levels building by building.
• Businesses in the 200 block of Genesee and nearby were evacuated; Utica Police detoured traffic.
• Shortly after 10 p.m. — Readings fell below emergency levels and the building was handed to National Grid.

Fire Chief Scott Ingersoll described the situation as very dangerous. The report did not say exactly when the street reopened or how many businesses were cleared out. CNYHomepage also covered the evacuation.

Smell gas? Leave the building first, then call 911 or National Grid's gas emergency line at 1-800-892-2345.