Elgin building evacuated after carbon monoxide scare

A building in downtown Elgin had to be evacuated Thursday afternoon after excessive levels of carbon

monoxide were detected, fire officials said.

At noon, firefighters were dispatched to 30 Du Page Court, the Kane County Department of Employment and Education, after someone reported a possible gas smell.

Excessive levels of carbon monoxide were found in the basement.

Firefighters said levels of up to 181 parts per million were detected. Thirty parts per million is considered excessive.

At least 30 people, including employees and guests, were evacuated, firefighters said. Five floors were then searched, after which the building was ventilated until the problem was corrected.

The employees were then allowed to get their belongings before it was locked up.

Elgin fire Battalion Chief Bryan McMahan said the city code officials and the state boiler inspector were on the scene. He said the building’s owner said the building could reopen on Tuesday.

The cause is still being investigated, firefighters said.

No one needed to be hospitalized. Buildings on either side were checked, with no problems detected.