Carbon Monoxide Leak Forces Evacuation of Northeast D.C. Apartment Building

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A carbon monoxide emergency led to the evacuation of a three-story apartment building in Northeast D.C. on Saturday night. The incident occurred in the 1800 block of Irving Street NE, located in the Woodridge neighborhood.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Crews from the D.C. Fire and EMS Department responded swiftly after reports of a possible gas leak. Upon arrival, firefighters detected dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) inside the building and immediately called in a hazmat unit for further evaluation.

According to officials, the toxic gas levels posed a serious health risk to residents. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in enclosed spaces if undetected.

Defective HVAC System Identified as Cause

After an assessment by the hazmat team, the source of the carbon monoxide was traced to a malfunctioning HVAC unit. Fire officials confirmed that the system had been leaking the gas throughout the building, prompting the precautionary evacuation of all residents.

D.C. Fire crews ventilated the building thoroughly, working to clear the gas and restore air quality. Monitoring equipment confirmed that CO levels had returned to normal before residents were allowed to return to their homes.

No Serious Injuries Reported

Two residents were evaluated by EMS at the scene for potential exposure, but fortunately, neither required hospitalization or further treatment. Officials noted that the prompt response and building evacuation likely prevented more serious outcomes.

A Reminder About Carbon Monoxide Safety

This incident underscores the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of maintaining HVAC systems and installing CO detectors in all homes and apartments.

Fire officials advise residents to:

Ensure carbon monoxide alarms are installed and functioning properly on every level of the home.
Have heating systems, gas appliances, and vents inspected annually by licensed professionals.
Never ignore a sounding CO alarm—evacuate immediately and call 911.

Thanks to the quick actions of D.C. Fire and EMS, the situation was resolved without injury. Officials are urging all residents to remain alert to gas-related hazards, especially as HVAC systems operate heavily during the summer months.