Bellefontaine fire and police crews responded to two separate incidents Monday evening, Feb. 2 — a carbon monoxide emergency and a hazmat call — that occurred within about 30 minutes of each other on South Main Street.
Just after 6 p.m., firefighters and police were dispatched to H&R Block at 120 S. Main St. after reports of elevated carbon monoxide levels inside the building. Employees and customers were evacuated as a precaution.
Fire crews detected carbon monoxide readings of approximately 300 parts per million inside the business and in a neighboring building that had already closed for the evening. Officials determined the source to be a malfunctioning furnace. No injuries were reported, and the building owner was contacted to arrange repairs.
Approximately 30 minutes later, crews were called to MIG RV & Marine Super Center at 1650 S. Main St. after employees reported feeling ill following contact with an unknown substance.
According to Bellefontaine Fire Chief Brian Wilson, a pallet of bags containing a brown powdery substance had been delivered to the front of the business, though the product was not ordered by the company. Two employees who handled the bags began feeling unwell, prompting a call to 911.
The Logan County Hazardous Materials Team was called to the scene and determined the substance was not hazardous. One employee was transported to Mary Rutan Hospital for evaluation, while the other declined medical transport.
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Hazmat officials secured the material, and the business will work with the delivery company to determine why the product was mistakenly delivered. Crews remained on scene for approximately three hours.
Assisting agencies included the Bellefontaine Fire Department, Bellefontaine Police Department, West Liberty Fire Department, and the Macochee Joint Ambulance District.
