Montclair Apartment Building Evacuated Due To Carbon Monoxide

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An apartment building in Montclair was evacuated last week after “dangerous levels” of carbon monoxide were found in the basement and “elevated levels” of the gas were found in the hallways. No residents were sickened, authorities said.

The Montclair Fire Department responded to 16 Forest Street at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday after a carbon monoxide alarm went off.

Fire crews used a gas meter to check a unit on the second floor of the building, discovering elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the common hallways and stairs throughout the 27-unit condominium building. Further investigation revealed dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the basement, authorities said.

Here’s what happened next, the MFD said:

“Fire crews shut down heating units that were suspected to be the source of the problem. Building residents were evacuated until their units could be checked and ventilated until readings returned to normal. Residents were able to return to their homes in approximately 45 minutes.”

No residents were sickened as a result of last week’s incident, authorities said Monday.

PSE&G and the building’s management company were on location to secure the units until repairs could be made, the MFD added.

“As a reminder, carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless,” Montclair Fire Chief Robert Duncan said.

“The only way to be alerted of its presence in your home is to have working carbon monoxide alarms,” Duncan added. “Alarms should be located on all levels of the home and immediately outside all sleeping areas. Make sure to test units regularly and replace batteries every six months.”

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