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Hazmat situation sends workers to the hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning after they were using a gas-powered cutting saw without ventilation in Fort Myers, Forida





(Photo: Andrea Melendez/The News-Press)



The incident originated at a construction site. They were using a gas-powered cutting saw without ventilation. The call for service closed down First Street between Jackson and Hendry streets for over an hour. (Andrea Melendez/news-press.com) 


MELISSA MONTOYA, MMONTOYA@NEWS-PRESS.COM 


August 29, 2015

FORT MYERS, FL
 
Three people were sent to the hospital Saturday for carbon monoxide poisoning in downtown Fort Myers, according to the Fort Myers Fire Department.

The call for service came some time after 2 p.m. and closed down First Street between Jackson and Hendry streets for over an hour. Businesses there were evacuated.

The call came in as an unconscious person, said Scott Wirth, division chief of operations for the Fort Myers Fire Department. In total, four people were affected, but only three people were transported.

The two people who were found unconscious were revived by Lee County EMS, Wirth said.

The incident originated at a construction site. The individuals were using a gas-powered cutting saw without ventilation, he said.

"Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless," Wirth said.

After about an hour, the building was ventilated and turned over to the construction crew.

"If you're using anything that creates exhaust, you want to use it in a well-ventilated area," Wirth said.