The West Hartford Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide incident at a mixed-use building – We-Ha

The West Hartford Fire Department said The Heritage at Blue Back Square was evacuated Thursday afternoon because high levels of carbon monoxide were found in the building.

West Hartford Fire Department at the scene of a carbon monoxide incident at Heritage. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Residents of The Heritage condominiums and residents of the commercial businesses on the ground floor of the building at 85 Memorial Road were evacuated Thursday afternoon due to the presence of carbon monoxide, likely caused by pressure washing in the underground parking garage in West Hartford, Fire Chief Greg Priest said.

Fire units responded around 2 p.m. Thursday due to an initial activation of a carbon monoxide alarm, Priest said, and when they arrived on the scene, additional alarms began ringing in the building.

Using meters, crews found high levels of carbon monoxide, mostly present in common areas – not residential units, Priest said. Both the residential and commercial areas of the building were evacuated and doors and windows were opened to allow fresh air to circulate.

West Hartford Fire Department at the scene of a carbon monoxide incident at Heritage. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Two residents reported experiencing some symptoms related to carbon monoxide exposure but declined medical treatment, Priest said.

Using propane-powered pressure washing equipment is the “same source of carbon monoxide,” Priest said.

After the incident, firefighters actively ventilated the building. “I don’t expect this to be a long-term event,” Priest said at the scene, but it would likely last about an hour.

Access to the Heritage and Memorial Garage was closed Thursday afternoon. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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