Nashville Fire Department Responds to Carbon Monoxide Incident

The Nashville Fire Department (NFD), including Special Operations Personnel, responded to a carbon monoxide (CO) emergency at a multi-story apartment building, located at 1005 16th Avenue South just after 8:00 pm on Thursday January 22 after residents called 911 and reported to Department of Emergency Communication Dispatchers that they had passed out in their unit and were able to recover to call for help after getting fresh air on their balcony.

When firefighters arrived, they immediately began checking air quality throughout the building. Elevated carbon monoxide levels were found in the lobby and on multiple floors. On the second floor, two residents reported that they had lost consciousness. Firefighters confirmed unsafe CO levels inside the apartment and quickly realized others in the building could also be at risk.

To protect residents, NFD crews began going door-to-door, checking carbon monoxide levels inside individual apartments and helping people evacuate. The building's fire alarm system was activated to alert residents, and doors and windows were opened to bring in fresh air.

Firefighters, wearing full protective gear and breathing equipment, conducted a careful, floor-by-floor search of all six floors to make sure no one was left inside in unsafe conditions. NFD Special Operations Personnel played a key role by continuously monitoring air quality and helping manage the large-scale response.

During these searches, firefighters assisted multiple residents and rescued one person who was transported to the hospital by EMS. Additional NFD units checked nearby areas, including the parking garage, rooftop equipment, and surrounding buildings, to find the source of carbon monoxide. Piedmont Gas responded quickly and shut off gas service as a precaution.

A gas-powered appliance located in the parking garage area was later identified as a possible source and found to be improperly vented. After gas service was secured and extensive ventilation was completed, carbon monoxide levels dropped to safe levels throughout the building.

Once conditions were confirmed safe, firefighters escorted residents back inside so they could gather essential personal belongings. NFD personnel continued to monitor air quality throughout this process. The building was later turned over to management.

The Office of Emergency Management arranged for buses to respond to the location so impacted residents had a safe warm place to wait as NFD operations continued.

NFD and OEM also alerted the American Red Cross to help displaced residents as needed.

Incident Summary:

• 63 people evaluated by medical personnel on site.
• 4 patients transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center by ambulance.
• 2 additional people sought medical care on their own.
• Approximately 30 NFD firefighters were evaluated on scene as a precaution, there were no injuries to personnel.
• There were no reports of injuries to pets.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can make people sick very quickly. The Nashville Fire Department strongly encourages all residents to have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in their homes and to check them regularly.

Free Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Available
Residents of Nashville/Davidson County who need a Smoke Detector or Carbon Monoxide Detector may receive one (1) free smoke alarm per household from the Nashville Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office.

How to get one:
Location: Nashville Fire Department Headquarters
Address: 5244 Hickory Hollow Parkway, Antioch, TN 37103
Days: Monday-Friday
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

For questions or additional information, contact the Fire Marshal's Office at: 615-862-5230 or email [email protected]

The Nashville Fire Department thanks residents for their cooperation and commends the firefighters and Special Operations Personnel whose quick actions helped keep the community safe.