Reading PA Fire Department

This evening shortly before 18:00, an alarm began sounding in a Schuylkill Avenue residence. Engine 11, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Medic 601 and Car 8 respond to the call coming from 764 Schuylkill Avenue. The report from dispatch stated that a CO alarm was activated in the residence and the occupant noted an odor coming from next door. Firefighters arrive on location and begin to investigate. In the structure next door to the home the call came from, they discovered a worker using a gas powered generator inside to produce electric as the structure is being renovated. Carbon Monoxide readings in that building were in excess of 1000 parts per million, more that 20 times the levels concidered dangerous for an extended period. For healthy adults, CO becomes toxic when it reaches a level higher than 50 ppm with continuous exposure over an eight hour period. Readings in the home where the call originated were in excess of 200 ppm, more than enough to cause an alarm to sound.

Firefighters shut down the unit and open up the buildings to air them out. The worker using the generator refused treatment despite the urging from Medics and the Chief on the scene. It was not reported what symptoms the victim exibited, mild exposure after only a few hours can result in flu-like symptoms such as headaches, sore eyes and a runny nose. The symptoms worsen as the exposure time or the amount of the gas increases. Residence are reminded to never run any non-approved fuel powered appliances in the home and to have their heating systems checked by a licenced inspector. More tips can be found in our Fire Safety section.

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