On Monday January 9 at 1813 hour the WVFC, Newmanstown FC, and Western Berks EMS were dispatched to Building D at 28 S. Water St. in Womelsdorf for a carbon monoxide alarm.

Engine and Ladder 47 along with Engine and Rescue 34 responded on the incident. As the initial crew made entry into the main foyer of the common stairway to the apartment where the detector had went off, they found mid-level readings of carbon monoxide (CO). Crews began checking adjoining apartments, also forcing entry into the original affected apartment and found readings higher than 120ppm (parts per million). In order to determine the cause of the CO, furnaces from each affected apartment were shut down and the apartments were ventilated. The furnaces were turned on one at a time and apartments again monitored as well as the chimneys checked to see if they were blocked.

The issue was believed to be two malfunctioning furnaces in separate apartments and unfortunately the residents were notified they should have to find lodging for the night until the furnaces could be serviced. Building maintenance was also on scene assisting as needed.