Two elderly residents of a multi-unit apartment complex in Santa Rosa, California fell victim to apparent carbon monoxide poisoning on Tuesday. The City of Santa Rosa reported that maintenance personnel found the individuals non-responsive in their apartment and alerted authorities. An investigation by the fire crew found high carbon monoxide levels in the apartment, prompting checks on other units.
To further respond to the incident, Santa Rosa Fire assisted the Police Department in inspecting the remaining eleven apartments of the building. They evacuated five other residents, though no additional carbon monoxide was detected in these units, and the inhabitants did not report any health concerns. Partnerships with the Santa Rosa Building Division, AMR, and PG&E proved integral to the handling of the incident per the City of Santa Rosa Fire Department.
As the investigation continues into the event's cause, early indications point to a natural gas appliance as the carbon monoxide source. While the Sonoma County Coroner's Office is awaiting complete victim autopsies to confirm the exact cause of death, the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of gas appliance maintenance and routine inspections should not be overlooked.
