UPDATED: Carbon Monoxide Incident in Courthouse
(Updated at 1:55 p.m.) The Arlington County Fire Department on the scene of a carbon monoxide incident in the Courthouse area.
Firefighters initially responded to the U.S. Print and Copy store at 2044 Wilson Boulevard for a report of a person feeling light-headed and dizzy. Personnel started treating the victim and then detected high levels of carbon monoxide, prompting a larger fire department response.
A total of three patients have been evaluated by paramedics, according to ACFD spokesman Capt. Gregg Karl. It’s unclear whether any of the patients will require transport to the hospital.
Firefighters are investigating the possibility that the carbon monoxide is coming from a malfunctioning furnace in the basement of the store. Personnel also checked other businesses along the same retail strip and found elevated carbon monoxide levels in next-door Summers Restaurant, Karl said.
As of 1:45 p.m., Washington Gas crews was on the scene, the stores were being ventilated, and firefighters and police officers (who were helping with traffic control) were beginning to clear.
Four Hospitalized After CO Incident at Courthouse Hotel
At least four people were sent to the hospital after elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected in the Arlington Court Suites Hotel at 1200 North Courthouse Road.
Firefighters believe the CO may have wafted into the hotel after a vehicle was left running for an extended period of time in a parking garage.
Several victims complained of headaches as a result of carbon monoxide exposure. One other person was evaluated on the scene and released.
Firefighters have brought in portable fans to ventilate the building.
