Post by Joanna on Feb 15, 2016 19:00:10 GMT -5
Strange 'Alarm' Emanating from Oregon Forest
FOREST GROVE, Ore. – Neighbors are trying to determine what is causing a loud alarm-like sound to randomly ring near Gales Creek Road. Paula Lynch tells KOIN she first heard the noise about two weeks ago. Since then, she’s heard it four other times and her neighbor (who wishes to remain anonymous) has heard it three times. Both describe the noise as loud and like a warning alarm. "It’s hard to identify what angle it’s coming from because it just kind of encompasses the area," Lynch said. "We’re just hoping somebody might be able to identify it so we can report it and have it stop happening."
Both the City of Forest Grove Public Works Department and Fire Department say they don’t know what is causing the noise. The fire department speculated the sound appeared to be some sort of air compressor, but said that crews would have to actually be in the neighborhood to identify the sound before making a determination.
A spokesperson with NW Natural said there have been no reports of any problems with the gas lines in the neighborhood. The spokesperson added that, while the company does have release valves, if gas were to be released, people would be able to smell it.
Lynch posted a recording she made of the noise on Facebook and it has been shared repeatedly.
Those who have heard the sound say it is extremely loud. Lynch said when she hears the noise, she has to cover her ears immediately to protect her hearing.
Forest Grove (population 22,500) is located at the base of the Tillamook State Forest in Washington County, approximately 25 miles west of Portland.
Source: Brent Weisberg, KOIN, February 15, 2016.
