Gas Leak Prompts TCC Elementary Evacuation
DOVER (WJER) (Aug. 25, 2026) – Dover firefighters say no one was sickened or injured after a gas leak forced Tuscarawas Central Catholic Elementary to evacuate Monday morning.
Captain Joe Minocchi says the call came in at 7:50 a.m. for the smell of gas in the school’s kitchen and gym area, and crews arrived within minutes. Firefighters shut off and isolated the gas meter, then opened doors to ventilate the building.
Students were moved across the street to St. Joseph Church, where officials determined they were a safe distance from the elementary school.
Crews traced the leak to an oven. Gas and school officials were left to determine repairs or replacement.
Minocchi says firefighters were on scene for about two hours.