Carbon Monoxide Incidents Reported At New Canaan Restaurant, Home: FD

NEW CANAAN, CT — Two carbon monoxide incidents were reported Thursday afternoon at a restaurant and home in New Canaan, according to the New Canaan Fire Department.

In a news release, fire officials said both incidents were caused by contractors using gasoline power equipment inside of a structure.

The first incident was reported around 2:30 p.m. on Oenoke Ridge, fire officials said.

According to fire officials, a contractor at the home was using a saw to cut a concrete floor in the basement.

The carbon monoxide detectors in the home were activated about 30 minutes into the operation, fire officials said.

Firefighters were called to the area and determined the levels were above an acceptable level, fire officials said.

The home was ventilated to safe levels and a 2-week-old infant was taken to a pediatrician for evaluation, according to fire officials.

The second incident was reported around 4:30 p.m. at an Elm Street restaurant where a contractor was using a power washer in the basement, fire officials said.

According to fire officials, the contractor was overcome by the carbon monoxide and treated by New Canaan police and EMS crews.

Firefighters metered and searched the building to ensure no other occupants were inside, fire officials said.

The building was ventilated until all readings were back to zero, according to fire officials.

The department requested mutual aid from the Norwalk Fire Department for additional gas meters and ventilation fans, fire officials said.

Two area restaurants were closed for the evening, according to fire officials.

"Operating gasoline powered equipment in or near your living areas is dangerous," fire officials wrote in a news release.
"Residents should ensure there are properly operating carbon monoxide detectors on all level of your home."

Residents who wish to schedule a complementary home inspection can call the New Canaan Fire Marshal's Office at 203-594-3030.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for "Community Connect," where they can provide basic information about their home to assist responding firefighters, according to fire officials.