A quiet East New York block was jolted Friday evening when FDNY crews rushed to a carbon monoxide incident that left one person dead, according to fire officials. First responders were called to 715 Hemlock St around 6:45 p.m., and EMS pronounced a person dead at the scene. Authorities had not released further details as of late Friday.
Officials declined to identify the victim or say what triggered the alarm, according to News 12 New York. The station reported that FDNY units were dispatched to the Hemlock Street address at about 6:45 p.m. and that EMS confirmed the person had died on scene. As of the outlet’s latest update, fire officials had not publicly named a suspected cause.
What carbon monoxide does and why it is dangerous
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can build up indoors and quickly turn deadly. Symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion can easily be mistaken for the flu, which is why a working detector is often the only clear warning sign, according to NYC Health. In more severe cases, exposure can lead to seizures, permanent brain damage or death.
Detector rules and landlord responsibilities
New York City requires approved carbon monoxide detectors in residential units, and building owners must install them while tenants are responsible for testing and basic upkeep, according to NYC HPD. The agency also urges landlords to keep fuel-burning appliances in good repair and make sure vents and chimneys stay clear to prevent CO from building up indoors. Missing or nonworking detectors are a common violation and can trigger penalties under city code.
If your CO alarm goes off
If a carbon monoxide detector sounds, get outside right away and call 911, then contact the New York City Poison Control Center at (212) POISONS (212-764-7667), according to NYC Health. If it is safe to do so, open windows and move toward fresh air, and stay out of the building until first responders say it is safe to return. Anyone who feels sick should seek medical care quickly, since CO symptoms can escalate fast.
Local context
East New York has dealt with carbon monoxide scares before. In 2014, a multi-building evacuation followed high CO readings, a reminder of how fast a problem with fuel-burning equipment can ripple through an entire stretch of homes, News 12 Brooklyn reported. Tenant groups and neighborhood advocates have repeatedly pressed for tougher enforcement of detector and ventilation rules in older multi-family buildings. Local officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment about Friday’s incident.
By late Friday, city agencies had not released additional information about the case. Hoodline will update this story if officials provide further details or a formal statement.
