GREAT BARRINGTON – Two teenagers were overcome by high carbon monoxide levels after the chimney at the home they were in became blocked and failed to vent exhaust from the gas furnace.
The teens were brought to Fairview Hospital by ambulance and are expected to make a full recovery, Fire Department officials said.
The Police Department and Southern Berkshire Ambulance originally responded to a call for two unresponsive teenagers at a home. Fire officials did not release the address.
Police Sgt. Adam Carlotto responded first and determined there could be high levels of carbon monoxide in the home and requested assistance from the Fire Department, fire officials said.
Firefighters tested the carbon monoxide levels at between 500 and 800 parts per million throughout the house. The levels can quickly be fatal, fire officials said.
“The source was determined to be a gas furnace and a plugged chimney,” officials said. “Of more concern there was no working CO (carbon monoxide) detection in the residence.”
The Fire Department urges all residents to make sure they have working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and apartments.