Multiple Fire Departments Responds To Odor Smell At Knox Center

Rockland, Maine - According to Rockland fire chief.

Rockland Fire was dispatched to a report of propane in the building at 4 White Street in Rockland March 5th, 2020.  The caller stated that the odor was on the first floor and their propane meters were alarming and showing elevated levels.  While enroute Assistant Chief Miceli requested a second alarm due to the possible severity of the call associated with the vulnerable occupants inside.  Upon arrival crews quickly secured and shut down the propane tanks that heat and run the facility.  Maintenance staff had already closed the proper valves inside the building before our arrival. There was an odor found in the crawl space below one section of the first floor.  Due to the potential severity we used our gas meters and carefully checked all areas below ground and worked out way through the rest of the building. Staff had evacuated all patients from 4 White Street and safely sheltered them within 6 White Street until the buildings were cleared.  Technicians are still on scene trying to determine if there a faulty clothes dryer caused the odor. During our metering we found no elevated levels within the building but staff first reported an elevated reading on their meters that belong to the facility. We believe those meters may have been giving a false elevated reading at the time we were called.   

Any factors contributing to, or hindering the success of the operation:

Staff at 4 and 6 White Street did a great job in not only notifying the fire department as soon as they detected the odor, but also in moving patients and other workers to safety.

Incident Reported:  Odor of Propane In the Building

Date/Time Reported:  03/05/20 at 09:34

Address of Incident:  4 White Street, Knox Center for Long Term Care

Owner/Occupant(s):  The building was normally occupied with patients and staff

First Unit/Arrival Time:  Rockland Tower 3 at 09:37

Apparatus Assigned:  

Rockland Tower 3            Rockport Engine 23

Rockland Squad 3            Rockport Engine 22

Rockland Engine 1            Thomaston FD

Rockland Engine 2            Camden Ladder 1 for RIT 

Rockland Rescue 2            South Thomaston FD

North East Mobile Health        St. George FD

Number of Personnel:  Estimated 20 firefighters responded to the scene.

Cause:  Still under Investigation