NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A carbon monoxide emergency prompted a large-scale response from the Nashville Fire Department near Music Row Thursday night, sending multiple people to the hospital and forcing residents from a multi-story apartment building.
Nashville Fire officials say crews, including Special Operations personnel, responded just after 8 p.m. to the building at 1005 16th Avenue South after residents called 911 reporting they had passed out inside their unit. They were able to recover and call for help after getting fresh air on their balcony.
When firefighters arrived, they found elevated carbon monoxide levels in the lobby and on multiple floors. On the second floor, two residents reported losing consciousness. Crews quickly began going door to door, checking air quality inside apartments and helping residents evacuate.
Firefighters activated the building’s fire alarm, opened doors and windows for ventilation, and conducted a floor-by-floor search of all six floors to make sure no one was left inside unsafe conditions. One person was rescued and taken to the hospital by EMS.
Piedmont Gas shut off gas service as a precaution, and a gas-powered appliance in the parking garage area was later identified as a possible source due to improper venting. After ventilation, carbon monoxide levels dropped to safe levels.
In total, 63 people were evaluated, with four transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Office of Emergency Management provided buses for displaced residents as operations continued.
Fire officials are reminding residents to ensure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly.
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