Personnel from our first arriving engine entered the building wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus). They were equipped with one of gas meters, which are frequently calibrated to ensure accuracy. The instrument immediately detected elevated levels of Carbon Monoxide in the front part of the building. Completing their sweep of the facility, as they moved towards the rear of the building, the instrument showed increasingly higher readings, readings that begin to become a concern over longer periods of time.

It was determined contractors, engaged in refurbishing that space, were using a gasoline saw to cut the concrete floor. The saw was the source of the Carbon Monoxide. Their labor was immediately stopped by our personnel where we began ventilation of the entire structure. Upon further examination of the saw, after the contractors claimed the saw was equipped with a carbon monoxide filter, our personnel took a close look at it. There a carbon monoxide filter attached. This is new technology we are not familiar with. It's entirely possible the filter is defective, or not operating as designed.

As all of this was unfolding, Social Services managers reported several of their people were reporting discomfort… not feeling well. Command requested EMS to the scene. It was decided, out of an abundance of caution, that Social Services personnel in the building at the onset of the incident would be evaluated. Although the incident certainly fit the parameters for a Mass Casualty Incident… with only a couple people reporting discomfort, the Incident Command made the decision to hold off on declaring one.

When EMS resources arrived, they began evaluating everyone that worked there. Some thirty-five (35) civilians overall were assessed. Of that number, four (4) were transferred for further assessment to the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown. The rest of those evaluated declined further treatment. At the time of this release, we do not have the dispositions of those transported.

After the structure was thoroughly ventilated, with the gas meter providing now acceptable levels of Carbon Monoxide, the facility was released back to the Office of Social Services.

Units operated at this incident for just over two (2) hours, with no injuries / illness to emergency personnel.

As the scope of this incident began to escalate, limited street closures were put into place. That part of the 300 block of High Street, between Spring Avenue & Mill Street, and Calvert Street, between Spring Avenue and Mill Street, were blocked off. These closures remained in-place until we cleared.

Companies operating at this incident:

Chestertown VFC

Rock Hall VFC

Galena VFC (upgraded by Kent County EMS paramedic)

Kent & Queen Annes Rescue Squad

Kent County EMS

Chestertown Police Department