WPBFD Uses Grant-Funded Hazmat Device to Save Six from CO Poisoning

Published on February 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Media Contact:

Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications

City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office

Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Email: kjoy@wpb.org

WPBFD Uses Grant Funded Hazmat Device

to Save Six from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (February 11, 2026) — A hazmat monitor recently acquired by the West Palm Beach Fire Department (WPBFD) through a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant played a critical role in saving six lives during a carbon monoxide emergency on February 3 at a local residence.

What began as a routine call for respiratory distress quickly escalated when crews arrived to find multiple occupants experiencing similar symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Using the grant-funded hazmat device, firefighters detected dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide inside the home. The odorless, colorless gas had silently accumulated, placing everyone inside at serious risk.

Firefighters immediately evacuated the residence, administered oxygen, and transported one adult and five minors to local hospitals for further evaluation and treatment. Thanks to the rapid response of WPBFD crews and the availability of specialized equipment, all patients are expected to recover.

Further investigation revealed that during the recent cold front, residents had been burning charcoal indoors to stay warm — a dangerous practice that can quickly lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. WPBFD reminds residents to never burn charcoal or use fuel-burning devices indoors, to install carbon monoxide detectors in their homes, and to ensure heating systems are properly maintained. This incident underscores how community partnerships and grant funding directly strengthen public safety and save lives.

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About The City of West Palm Beach

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.

To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY 800 955-8771). For information about the City of West Palm Beach, please visit: https://www.wpb.org/home.