Evacuation at Hollywood: Gas Leak Sends Moviegoers Out of Historic Portland Theater

Imagine settling into your seat at one of Portland's most cherished cinematic landmarks, the historic Hollywood Theatre, popcorn in hand, ready for a captivating film. Suddenly, that cozy anticipation is shattered by the shrill, unmistakable wail of an alarm, followed by urgent instructions to evacuate. That's precisely what unfolded recently for roughly 150 moviegoers and staff when a natural gas leak sent a jolt of concern through the iconic venue and the surrounding neighborhood.

The incident, which saw Portland Fire & Rescue units descend upon Northeast Sandy Boulevard, turned an ordinary evening into an unexpected drama. Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene, detecting elevated levels of natural gas inside the theater. It was clear then: this wasn't just a drill. The safety of everyone present became the immediate priority, you know, the first and foremost concern.

Thankfully, the evacuation proceeded smoothly. Patrons, perhaps a little bewildered but certainly understanding the gravity of the situation, filed out of the building. The prompt response by theater staff and emergency services ensured that everyone was safely ushered away from the potential danger. As a precaution, several adjacent businesses were also temporarily cleared, creating a wider safety perimeter around the historic structure – just to be absolutely sure.

For a tense period, the block around the Hollywood Theatre was a hive of activity, with emergency vehicles lining the streets and personnel working diligently. NW Natural crews were called in, bringing their specialized expertise to pinpoint and ultimately stop the source of the leak. Once the gas flow was halted, the arduous task of ventilating the grand old building began, ensuring all traces of the gas were cleared before anyone could return. It takes time to make sure an indoor space is completely safe again, right?

After what must have felt like an eternity for those waiting, but was in reality a few hours, a collective sigh of relief swept through the area. The "all clear" was finally given. With the danger averted and the air deemed safe, businesses could reopen, and the theater, though its screening schedule was undoubtedly disrupted for the evening, could begin to resume normalcy. Most importantly, there were no reports of any injuries, a testament to the swift and effective actions of everyone involved.

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness, even in our most beloved community spaces. The Hollywood Theatre, a true Portland gem with nearly a century of stories within its walls, will undoubtedly continue to enchant audiences for many years to come, now with another dramatic tale to add to its rich history – one that thankfully ended with everyone safe and sound.