AUGUSTA — A pilot light that had gone out in the kitchen of St. Michael School caused a brief evacuation of students Wednesday morning and closure of a portion of Sewall Street.

Students were evacuated about 11:15 a.m. when school officials called in firefighters by reporting of a smell of gas or propane.

Students returned to the school shortly thereafter when authorities determined they were not at risk.

Deputy Fire Chief David Groder said firefighters and gas company officials responded and determined the odor came from a pilot light that had gone out in the school building’s kitchen.

He said students were outside the school for 15 to 20 minutes while officials investigated the source of the odor and determined it was safe to return.