County building in Salinas evacuated because of strong gas smell reopens

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

UPDATE 2/14/2020 3:12 p.m. The Monterey County Department of Social Services offices have reopened after being evacuated Friday morning.

The building was evacuated because employees reported a strong smell of gas coming from the lower level of the building.

PREVIOUS STORY: The Monterey County Department of Social Services offices in the Life Foundation Building on South Main Street have been evacuated.

Employees told supervisors about a strong gas smell coming from the lower level of the building, and it was evacuated at around 10 a.m.

PG&E and fire crews are at the scene.

450 employees are still evacuated, and when the building is reopened, there will be process to bring them back in once they are given the all-clear.