Northern Territory Police and Fire Service responded quickly to a residential gas leak in Alice Springs last night.

At approximately 7pm yesterday, whilst responding to an unrelated job in a residential complex on Nicker Crescent, a Police officer noticed the smell of gas coming through an air conditioner unit.

The officer quickly roused the occupant of the unit, a 56-year-old woman, and evacuated the surrounding units as a precaution.

A gas stove inside the unit had accidentally been left in the ‘on’ position.

Alice Springs Fire and Rescue Service attended and utilised mechanical ventilation to clear the gas and make the unit safe.

District Officer of the Alice Springs Fire Service David Letheby said, “This was a potentially deadly scenario. It serves as a reminder to occupants to have gas fittings, appliances and chimneys checked as we move towards winter in Central Australia".