NORWOOD – Residents of Rose Court had a jarring start to their Monday morning when a routine investigation into a gas odor escalated into a “catastrophic failure” of a building’s gas meter, prompting an emergency evacuation.
On January 26, 2026, at approximately 8:00 AM, the Norwood Fire Department was dispatched to 31 Rose Court following reports of a distinct natural gas smell in the area. What began as a standard investigation quickly turned critical.
According to department officials, the building’s exterior gas meter failed on a high-pressure main line, causing gas to vent into the air outside the structure.
“Engine 4’s crew witnessed a catastrophic failure of the buildings (sic) gas meter,” Norwood Firefighters Local 1631 stated in a social media update. “This was a high pressure main line that began venting on the exterior of the building.”
Recognizing the immediate hazard, fire crews moved quickly to clear the building. Residents were evacuated and relocated to a safe distance while first responders established a perimeter.
National Grid emergency crews were called to the scene and technicians worked alongside Norwood Fire to isolate the high-pressure line and successfully shut down the leak.
As of this afternoon, the immediate hazard has been mitigated. There have been no reported injuries to residents or first responders. Local officials have not yet confirmed when residents will be cleared to return to their homes or the exact cause of the meter’s failure. -RD