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.

Chemical Leak Prompts Haz Mat Team Response

At 1822 hrs. The Milford Fire Department received a call from the Department of Environmental Protection Haz Mat Response reporting that a drum was leaking in the back of a tractor trailer truck and he was requesting the Fire Department to respond.  Engine 5, Engine 1 and the shift commander responded to assess the situation.  The drum contained Naptha resin and was located behind several other drums.

A Haz Mat response was initiated bringing Haz Mat 1, Engine 4, Tower 1 and Rescue 1 to the scene.  The area was isolated and some nearby tractor trailer drivers where asked to relocate their vehicles.  Working with DEP and a cleanup contractor, Hazardous Materials Technicians from the Milford Fire Department worked to remove the drums so they could access the damaged one.  Once this drum was found it was placed into a plastic over-pack drum to contain any additional leaks.

The major concern from this product was its flammability hazard.  Haz Mat technicians used chemical detection devices to make sure they were not in a flammable atmosphere.  As a precaution, firefighters deployed two foam lines and 2 master streams in case there was an ignition.  There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters.  All fire department personnel had cleared the scene by 2230 hrs.