Fire Department

Firefighters were dispatched to Horseshoe Bend on Monday, shortly after midnight and found the family outside waiting on the sidewalk.

The occupants stated they were sleeping, when they heard the carbon monoxide detector alarming and opened some windows before exiting the home. The two occupants said they felt fine and did not feel ill.

When Ladder 2’s crew entered the home, they noticed a smoky smell. The owners said they had a fire going last night in their fireplace, which they put out before they went to bed.

Firefighters monitored the air close to the fireplace and got a reading of 39. They opened several doors to let fresh air in.

The crew discovered the flue was closed, so they opened it and continued to monitor throughout the house.

After the levels on their monitors dropped below 5, firefighters allowed the occupants to return to their home.

Firefighters encouraged the owners to get a second carbon monoxide alarm in the basement.

Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer”. It is a toxic, odorless and tasteless. Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion from any household appliance that burns fuel. Like a furnace, water heater, wood-burning fireplaces or idling vehicles.

Carbon monoxide detectors can prevent death and injury from the gas. Wisconsin State Statute requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed on every floor level, near sleeping areas.