On January 8 at approximately 11:20a.m. a phone call was received at the station for a report of a smoking furnace and carbon monoxide alarm sounding. The communications center transmitted the still alarm which brought Engine & Rescue 1 along with Engine 4 (Lower Alsace) to 223 Friedensburg Rd. Crews making entry initially found levels of 15-20ppm (parts per million) of carbon monoxide in the basement area and around the furnace. Levels in the adjoining home at 225 were in the 4-8ppm range. Crews traced the source to a malfunction in the furnace at 223 and secured the unit until the owner could contact a service company. Several fans were used to ventilate the structures until the readings came down to 0. All crews cleared the scene just before noon.
This incident highlights the danger of carbon monoxide, especially during the winter months when houses are typically closed up tight against the cold. If you don’t have a CO alarm, please install one as soon as possible. If the alarm sounds DIAL 911 and EVACUATE the residence immediately. We will gladly come out and investigate the problem as well as ensuring the home is safe for you and your family.
