Watertown Fire Rescue responded on November 14th at approximately 840 p.m. to an apartment building after residents reported a strong odor they believed could be a gas leak. Fire crews used multiple gas detection meters, and all readings showed zero hazardous gases. Engine 4, Medic 3, and Battalion 1 were on scene during operations.
While checking the building, firefighters traced the smell to the elevator area. A resident reported that the elevator had stopped working earlier in the evening. When crews reached the elevator machine room, they found heat and light smoke coming from inside.
Inside the room, crews discovered that the elevator’s hydraulic system had severely overheated, causing the burnt smell and light smoke. Firefighters shut off power to the elevator, tagged out the electricity to the pump,and ventilated the room, and ensured that the heat continued to drop. No fire was present, and no evacuations were needed. The elevator was clear of occupants.
The elevator was marked out of service, and building management was advised to contact a licensed elevator technician for repairs. The building remained safe for residents, and no injuries occurred.
Watertown Fire Rescue cleared the scene after confirming there was no gas leak and that the situation was fully stabilized.
