RENTON, WA — A reported gas smell cleared Liberty High School of 1,400 students and staff on October 14, 2025. Fire crews found no leak and classes resumed within two hours.
The evacuation started mid-morning when staff at the East Renton Highlands campus detected a strong odor resembling natural gas. Principal Brownson ordered everyone out and contacted Renton Regional Fire Authority.
Firefighters from King County Fire District 25 swept the building at 16655 SE 136th St, checking gas infrastructure and testing air quality. They found no leaks and no mechanical problems.
“Our local fire department arrived quickly, assessed the situation and determined it was safe for students and staff to return,” Brownson said in a statement released by Issaquah School District.
Students returned to their classrooms before noon.
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Complete Inspection Found Nothing
Fire crews checked every connection in the three-story building’s gas system. The campus underwent major renovations in 2015, including updated mechanical and ventilation infrastructure. All systems tested normal.
Investigators never identified the source of the reported smell. Fire officials cleared the building after determining no hazard existed.
School Resumed Normal Operations
Liberty High School serves approximately 1,400 students in grades 9 through 12 from Renton, Issaquah, Newcastle, Mirrormont, and surrounding areas. The school operates under Issaquah School District 411, which requires immediate evacuation when gas odors are reported.
The district notified families through its alert system once the building was deemed safe. Athletic practices and after-school activities proceeded as scheduled.
School officials have not announced any equipment changes or additional inspections following the incident.
The October morning evacuation lasted less than two hours from the first report to students returning to class. Fire investigators closed the case after finding no safety hazards in the building.
