State Employees Evacuate Building for Smell of Smoke

State government employees working in the office building at 622 S. Oakes Street enjoyed part of their morning outside in the freezing cold weather when the smell of smoke was reported in one of the corridors. The building was evacuated as San Angelo Fire Department personnel responded to the possibility of a structure fire just before 9 a.m. this morning.

Firefighters used thermal imaging equipment to attempt to locate a source of heat, but were unsuccessful finding any. Upon further inspection on the roof, a faulty air conditioner and heating unit was found to be the culprit. A drive belt had broken.

An AC contractor has been called in to repair the unit and life can return to normal inside the cozy, warm confines of the State of Texas offices. About 200 workers are housed in the buidlng.