Wilmington Firefighters were dispatched to the Wilmington Library for a fire alarm activation this morning. Upon arrival, Battalion Chief Griff Jordan was advised that the fire alarm was activated to evacuate the building due to an odor of natural gas in the basement. Firefighters immediately began checking the building with gas meters and found extremely high levels of carbon monoxide in the basement. All levels of the building were checked to ensure everyone had exited the building. Delmarva Power Gas Division was requested to the scene to assist in determining and securing the source of the carbon monoxide. The source of the leak was determined to be a heater unit in the basement mechanical room which was shut down. Additional fire department units were requested to assist with ventilating the large structure. After approximately two hours, carbon monoxide levels in the building were deemed safe. Delmarva Power and Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspection ordered that the heating units be left off until proper repairs are completed. The Library will remain closed until the heating units are able to be re-started.

Approximately 20 fire and EMS personnel responded to the fire. The following units responded: Squad 4, Engine 2; Ladder 1, Ladder 2, Battalion 1; Delaware County (PA) Vent 49.