Fire officials respond to carbon monoxide call at group home

By Harrison Perkins

The Belleville Fire department was called to Pathways to Independence Group Home just after 12:30 Sunday morning to reports of the activation of a carbon monoxide alarm.

In a news release, Senior Fire Prevention Officer Dave Mac Mullen said when fire officials arrived they detected elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide inside the main entrance and there were higher levels in the furnace room.

Five of the adult residents and two staff members were sent to a nearby affiliated group home while the problem was investigated.

Mullen said carbon monoxide alarms are important this time of year.

“The value of carbon monoxide alarms was dramatically demonstrated at this local group home and it is a strong reminder, especially in colder weather conditions – to ensure your heating appliances have been inspected by licensed technicians and that carbon monoxide alarms are in your home as added safety detection devices to warn you of carbon monoxide.”

The group home remains closed while the technical safety standards authority investigates the property with licensed heating technicians.