[Archived] Carbon Monoxide Leak Forces Evacuation of Apartment Building

Media Advisory

For immediate release: October 24, 2012

WHEN: October 24, 2012

WHERE: 900 block of North Van Dorn Street

WHO: Alexandria Fire Department

WHAT: This morning at 6:29am the Alexandria Fire Department was dispatched to the 900 block of North Van Dorn Street for a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm sounding with residents complaining of symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Arriving firefighters found elevated CO levels ranging from 45ppm to as high as 232 ppm in three apartments. Two residents were evaluated but refused transport to the hospital. The building, a three story garden apartment building in the Willow Run Apartment complex, was ventilated. Initial investigation determined the source of the CO originated in the building's boiler room.

The building was not equipped with CO alarms. A resident in a second floor apartment had installed a CO alarm in his unit which activated and initiated his call to 911. The incident remains under investigation by fire marshals and the Department of Code Administration. The building residents were permitted to return to their apartments.