Possible gas leak prompts brief evacuation at Eisenhower Health Center in La Quinta

A possible gas leak prompted a brief evacuation Tuesday morning at the Eisenhower George and Julia Argyros Health Center in La Quinta, according to Cal Fire.

Cal Fire said the incident was reported at approximately 9:30 a.m. after a gas odor was detected at the facility. The gas company was called to the scene to assist firefighters and emergency personnel.

An evacuation of the building was initiated as a precaution while crews investigated the reported leak. Cal Fire said the odor has since dissipated and the scene has been mitigated. The evacuation is no longer in effect.

Eisenhower Health confirmed that the building was evacuated during the incident.

In a statement to News Channel 3, Eisenhower Health said, "Earlier today, an unusual odor originating outside Eisenhower Health's Argyros Health Center in La Quinta entered the building through the ventilation system. Out of an abundance of caution, the building was temporarily evacuated while the fire department and gas company evaluated the situation. After approximately 45 minutes, the fire department determined the building was safe for patients and staff to re-enter, and normal operations resumed. Although responders found no condition requiring the health center to remain evacuated, the exact source of the exterior odor is still being determined. Patients whose appointments were impacted are currently being rescheduled."

No further disruption to services was reported following the incident.

This is a developing story and will be updated if additional information becomes available.