Reading PA Fire Department

Carbon Monoxide readings as high as 1000ppm were discovered inside a residential structure in the 300 blk of No. 12th Street Saturday morning. Firefighters responded to 341 No. 12th around 11:30 after receiving a call about common illnesses in the apartment building. Upon arrival, crews found several occupants in distress. The building was opened up and the residents and a guest were removed from the building. Two neighboring structures were also evacuated. A total of four victims were reported to have been treated at St. joseph Medical Center.

Levels of the toxic gas ranged from 50 to 500 parts per million in most areas of the homes, the highest levels were recorded in the basement of 341 No. 12th. A gas heater used to heat the building vented into the chimney which was discovered to be totally blocked. Apparently mortar eroded which caused the bricks to fall into the chimney. The heater was fired up recently as the outside temperature began to drop. Reportedly, no inspection was performed to the system prior to being started for the season. Residents are reminded to have their heating systems checked regularly to avoid problems. Carbon Monoxide Alarms should be installed in all residents with fuel fired heating systems, read more about this deadly gas.

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