Several residents in a building called Watertown Fire Rescue on Friday night, complaining of a strong gas smell, thinking there was a gas leak.

At about 8:40 p.m. Nov 14, WFR responded to a call with three fire department vehicles, Engine 4, Medic 3, and Battalion 1. Fire crews used multiple gas detection meters, and all readings showed zero hazardous gases, according to a release.

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 fire crews reached the elevator machine room, they found heat and light smoke coming from inside, a release stated.

Inside the room, fire crews discovered that the elevator’s hydraulic system had severely overheated, causing the burnt smell and

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