On August 29th, just beforemidnight, the company was dispatched to the Broad Run Ridge development for a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. The chief, rescue and ambulance made the response within minutes and were given a report of 2 detectors going off inside the residence. Upon arrival, Rescue 23 found the residents and pets were evacuated and in the driveway. The homeowner stated that they had just gotten back from a night out and came home to find the alarm sounding. The crew from the rescue made entry into the residence and within feet of the front door the gas meters were alarming for high CO levels. Chief 23 added an additional engine from station 23 to assist with the incident. While using SCBAs in order not the breath the deadly gas, the entire home was checked and CO gas was found in high levels throughout the homes 1st, 2nd and basement floors. The highest levels of the gas were found in the garage and inside the family's SUV. Upon further investigation it was determined that the homeowner had pulled the SUV into the garage prior to leaving for the night and accidentally left the vehicle running. The vehicle was estimated to have had a 1/4 tank of gas, and crews found the tank empty and battery dead. Once the source was determined, crews used the PPV fan in order to ventilate the residence from the gas. Once the gas was cleared of the residence the scene was turned back over to the homeowner. The residence and pets were not injured or sick because of the incident.

Carbon monoxide gas is a deadly, colorless, odorless and poisonous gas. It is produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. If CO is leaked into a home levels can build and become unhealthy or lethal within hours. CO meters should be installed in addition to smoke detectors in every residence. They should be placed near sleeping areas, on every floor and in the basement (follow manufacturer recommendations.) If an alarm sounds the residence should be evacuated, while leaving the windows and doors closed. After evacuation, 911 should be called and the fire department will respond to check the residence. Leaving the doors and windows closed for the fire department will allow responders to accurately detect and find a problem, should there be one.