Carbon Monoxide forces evacuation of office building

On October 31, 2011 at 0753 hours the Milford Fire Department Emergency Dispatch Center received a 911 telephone call reporting a smell of gas inside of 326 West Main Street.  A full assignment was dispatched (3 Engines, 1 Ladder Company and 1 Rescue Company along with a shift commander) and responded to the location.

Upon arrival and investigation, high levels on Carbon Monoxide were found using detection equipment.  Levels close to 500 ppm were detected in the basement area and levels near 300 ppm were found on the upper floors.  The building was quickly evacuated and heating equipment was shut off while ventilation fans were placed into operation. 

Representatives from the Southern Connecticut Gas Company traced the source to the heating system and were working with building maintenance personnel to correct the problem.

Paramedics from the Milford Fire Department medically evaluated several occupants of the building but no one was transported to the hospital.

Fire Department spokesman, Capt. Chris Zak reminded everyone, "As the colder temperatures are upon us, we need to remember that all buildings need to have working smoke detectors as well as working carbon monoxide detectors.  Carbon Monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is extremely dangerous and without proper detection equipment, it is often too late when high levels are found and people become symptomatic." 

"Also please remember to change your batteries in your detectors when you change your clocks.", Zak added.