Firefighters Uncover Deadly Carbon Monoxide Threat

on pumper/ladder truck 2242 responded to a carbon monoxide detector sounding on Saturday, December 17 at approximately 3 a.m. Instead of the “usual” false alarm, this call turned out to be the real thing.

Upon checking, the carbon monoxide readings were 40 ppm. This level of exposure can produce flu-like symptoms such as headaches, sore eyes and a runny nose. Longer periods, or a richer mixture can become significantly more dangerous.

Firefighters checked the heating equipment and found a down-drafting condition at the flues—the products of combustion from the equipment were coming back into the house.

It is not known how long this condition existed, but had it continued it would have built up significantly in a short amount of time, endangering the occupants’ lives.

This is a situation that could have been disastrous had the occupants not had a working carbon monoxide detector. Clearly, at 3 a.m., without a carbon monoxide alarm sounding, the occupants would not have awakened from sleep to know there was a problem, and possibly may not have awakened at all.

• If you don't have a working carbon monoxide detector, get one. 
• If you have one, check the battery. 
• If your carbon monoxide detector is five years old or more, replace it with a new one. 
• Follow the instructions included with your detector, or call your local fire department for advice.