Carbon Monoxide Prompts Evacuation Of Hollywood Apartment Building

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Residents of a five-story Hollywood apartment building are back in their homes today after multiple carbon monoxide alarms went off, prompting several evacuations Thursday.

The hazardous materials threat was apparently triggered by construction workers doing welding work on heating ducts in one of the units, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. After residents evacuated the building, firefighters worked to ensure that affected units were fully ventilated before residents could return to their homes.

"All affected units have been fully ventilated and all readings have returned to normal. Occupants are repopulating their units, said Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart."There were no medical complaints. The welding in one unit appeared to be the source of the hazard"

The incident occurred at a building in the 7320 block of Hawthorn Avenue between Hollywood and Sunset boulevards shortly before 8 p.m. Thursday.

Firefighters were called after five sensor gas monitors indicated the presence of hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide, predominately in one corner of the building's first occupied floor, the LAFD reported.

Construction workers were doing repairs on the ducting for heating and air conditioning inside the apartment when the hazard occurred.

``Occupants of three units in the area of highest concentration were evacuated and the units are being ventilated," Stewart said. ``Additionally, firefighters are evacuating the units above those, on the second occupied floor."

A hazardous materials team was dispatched to the location and there were no occupants with medical complaints.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.