2 Found Dead In Sonoma County Of Possible Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Two men who were found dead inside a home in north coastal Sonoma County might have suffered carbon monoxide poisoning, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said.

A tree crew found the men's bodies shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday when arrived to remove a tree that had previously fallen on the home in the 300 block of Spinaker Close in the community of Sea Ranch, the sheriff's office said.

The crew called 911 and CalFire firefighters responded and pronounced both men dead.

Sheriff's deputies responded to investigate the deaths of the two men who were in separate bedrooms and had a generator in the hallway.

Sea Ranch has been experiencing widespread power failures as a result of the storms and people have been using generators for power.

Deputies found that the power switch to the generator was turned on but its fuel tank was empty.

Coroner detectives were working to identify the men and notify their families before releasing the men's identities.

The sheriff's office said it is dangerous to operate generators inside a building because they release noxious fumes that can result in carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators should always be operated outside and at least 20 feet away from any occupied buildings, the sheriff's office said.

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.