Fire Department

Firefighters were called to a west side condo to investigate why a carbon monoxide alarm was sounding.

Ladder Company 7 met with the occupant on Park Edge Drive, who explained that the only possible carbon monoxide source in her home would be the wood-burning fireplace. She said she did use the fireplace earlier that day, and has had 10-12 other fires in the fireplace since purchasing the condo relatively recently.

The crew’s air monitor indicated CO levels at 60 parts per million. They set up a fan to pull clean air into the living room, and they opened a patio door and the damper to the fireplace, to reduce CO levels.

The owner said the chimney was recently inspected and told it was clear. Firefighters further suggested keeping the damper open for a while after having a fire to increase ventilation and reduce the chances of carbon monoxide buildup in the home.