Why do people find it a topic of casual conversation? It seems surrealistic to hear a group of office workers talking about the strong odor of gas they are smelling right now.

"We should call the Building Manager to see where it's coming from". He is about 1/2 hour away. "I smelled it really strong when I first came in, by the elevator". That was about one hour ago.

True, I couldn't smell it, but I am a smoker and my sense of smell isn't great. Then again, I can still smell odors when they are strong, and I didn't smell anything. But I could not believe that I walked in on this conversation with everybody calmly standing around.

"Gas explodes, it doesn't burn. And I don't want to be here if it does. Any small spark can set off a gas explosion, even static or a phone ringing." That's all I had to add to the inane conversation before I picked up the phone and dialed 911.

I calmly explained the situation to the fire dispatcher, who said he would send someone over. He did, though it took 10 minutes or so, and the fire house is 50 feet away, on the same block. Funny, he didn't ask us to leave the building.

They had opened up all the windows earlier, just in case. I guess they thought the 3/8 inch sheetrock would stop the explosion from harming anyone when the hallway exploded. Sort of like an ostrich sticking his head in the ground.

When I called 911, I already had put my jacket back on, and I was ready to head outside anyhow. But I still couldn't smell the gas. I figured that the gas smell would be really strong if it was concentrated enough to explode. So I waited for the fire department.

Of course they asked for me, because I gave my name when I called. The chief said they weren't angry, but next time to leave the windows closed. This way they can get a reading of where the fumes are. Because there was o% gas. And, call from outside, don't stay inside.

Of course, next time, I won't call. I'll make someone else call and leave their name. Unless I smell the gas. At least I learned something today. Don't open the windows. Let the fumes build up and the danger remain/ get worse. I don't know if I would do that in my house. But in the office, why not.