The New Canaan Fire Department responded to two separate carbon monoxide (CO) incidents in the afternoon, both caused by contractors using gas-powered equipment indoors.
In the first case, around 2:30 p.m., a contractor operating a concrete saw in a basement triggered the home’s CO detectors after about 30 minutes. Firefighters ventilated the area to safe levels; a 2-week-old infant was taken to a pediatrician for evaluation as a precaution.
In the second incident at the popular Solé restaurant on Elm Street around 4:30 p.m., a contractor using a power washer in the basement was overcome by high CO levels (measured at 1,000 ppm). He required medical treatment from police and emergency services. Firefighters searched the building, ventilated it with mutual aid from Norwalk Fire Department, and closed both Solé and the neighboring Blackbird restaurant for the evening.
The Fire Chief emphasized the dangers of operating gasoline-powered tools indoors or near living areas and encouraged residents to maintain working CO detectors on every level.