Firefighters Identify Carbon Monoxide Source at East Side Apartment Complex

Engine 5 responded to an apartment at 9 Kings Mill Circle to investigate an active carbon monoxide alarm. Upon entry, firefighters’ air monitors found elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Engine 13 also verified the findings. MGE was requested to the scene as firefighters began a limited evacuation of the building.

Firefighters centered their attention on a corner of the building and ultimately determined the source of carbon monoxide was a water heater in the parking garage. The water heater was blowing exhaust in excess of 2000 parts per million carbon monoxide. The water heater's exterior exhaust vent is located right next to a couple of apartment windows, causing carbon monoxide to blow back into the building.

Engine 5 shut down the water heater and ventilated the inside of the building until the atmosphere was once again safe to occupy. Building maintenance immediately began to make arrangements for repairs to the water heater. 

No carbon monoxide-related illnesses were reported to EMS.