California –
Menlo Park firefighters discovered a carbon monoxide leak at 1540 El Camino Real in Menlo Park at 3:40 p.m. on Sept. 19, impacting six individuals in the building. The exposure was linked to a gas-powered power washer being used in the building’s parking garage, according to a Menlo Park Fire Protection District press release.
Crews were initially dispatched to the scene in response to a call involving a 41-year-old male who fell while experiencing breathing difficulties. The carbon monoxide exposure was identified as the underlying cause.
Firefighters established the leak as a mass casualty incident leaving one individual in critical condition, three with minor injuries and two other individuals who declined to be transported for care.
The carbon monoxide leak, not far from Menlo College, extended into a neighboring building at 1545 San Antonio St., where two individuals suffered from carbon monoxide exposure and chemical inhalation.
Crews evacuated the second building as a precaution and requested additional assistance. Both buildings were ventilated and steps were taken to ensure no cross contamination occurred between patients being transported to hospitals.
Firefighters cleared the scene after buildings were ventilated and patients were treated.
“This incident underscores the danger of operating gas-powered equipment, including power washers and generators, in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces such as parking garages,” said Menlo Park fire officials. “Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and working CO detectors connected to a monitored alarm system are critical to early detection.”