THOMASTON — Walmart, in Thomaston, was forced to close for the night, Wednesday, Dec. 21, after a smell of propane was observed outside, and then again inside the entrance to the large retail store.

As Knox Regional Communications Center was receiving the call from Walmart officials just after 5:15 p.m., other employees were initiating the evacuation of evening and holiday shoppers.

Thomaston police officers blocked the incoming lanes to Thomaston Commons Way and Buttermilk Lane while Thomaston firefighters investigated for possible gas leaks at the ground level. Single engine responses were requested out of Rockland and South Thomaston, allowing for more personnel to assist with investigating the exterior, interior, and roof-level footage. As they are trained to do, the firefighters searched for imminent safety and public health concerns. Finding none, the building was turned back over to the store and its gas technicians.

The building was turned back over to store officials at approximately 6:20 p.m.

Eleven months ago, a similar report of a propane odor prompted an evacuation of the store on January 31, 2022, at approximately 6 p.m.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com