NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A business is burning thousands of gallons of propane gas near homes in New Smyrna Beach. Neighbors have been told to leave their homes because the smell coming from North Orange Street is making them sick. However, the company isn't breaking any laws.
Propane is burning in Karen Carlson's backyard.
"You can't breathe. I'm telling you it has been the most horrible thing in the world," Carlson said.
Carlson and her family have suffered nose bleeds, severe headaches and nausea since Tru Gas started burning the propane on Monday.
The smell is so bad that Carlson's husband can't go outside their house without a gas mask on.
All of the burning is happening on a public street. Dozens of tanks have already been burned.
WFTV called Tru Gas to find out why they're burning the fuel so close to homes, but they wouldn't comment.
The State Department of Agriculture, that oversees propane regulations, says the company is in full compliance with the law.
Carlson says that shouldn't be possible.
"I'm scared because I have young children here and I want to know what it is doing to them," she said.
On Thursday, an inspector with the Volusia County Health Department investigated the issue. They're working with the Environmental Protection Agency to see if the burning is posing any serious health risks.
Meanwhile, the fire department told Carlson to evacuate her home at night. So her family is staying with friends and she says they won't return until the burning is over.