Tuesday death in Weirs Beach thought to be result of carbon monoxide poisoning

WEIRS BEACH — As cold weather settles into the region, a death has led to the city’s fire chief warning about the invisible danger of carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by the combustion of common heating fuels, and if allowed to become concentrated, can cause illness or death.

That appears to be the cause of the death of a man who was found on Jan. 16, in a structure at Weirs Beach.

Fire Chief Timothy Joubert said his department was called to the scene of structure on the property of the Weirs Beach Drive-In on Tuesday morning, by a caller who found a person who was unresponsive. Joubert and other first responders arrived to confirm the man, in his 40s, was deceased.

Joubert said he couldn’t be certain of the cause of death until blood tests are completed, but there’s reason to suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. The state Fire Marshal’s Office is assisting in the investigation.

The deceased man was found inside what Joubert called an “uninhabitable mobile home” parked on the property and being used for storage. The structure didn’t have any utilities, such as electricity or water, connected.

When responders entered the building, they used a handheld device to measure the levels of carbon monoxide inside, and there was a heating unit, powered by diesel fuel and designed for use in the cabs of RVs, set up to provide warmth.

Joubert said, if properly installed, the device had an exhaust system that would have vented the combustion gasses outside. He said it appears as though the man attempted to do so.

“It wasn’t installed properly,” Joubert said.

The identity of the deceased is not being released at this time.

Joubert said carbon monoxide “is a gigantic concern for us,” especially in the winter. Poisoning from carbon monoxide kills hundreds of people each year, and sends hundreds of thousands into emergency rooms, he said, though it is often a preventable condition.

“It’s very challenging. Some people don’t have the financial means to maintain their heating systems, and they’re just trying to get by and survive,” Joubert said. In the drive to stay warm, he said a few precautionary measures can avoid a tragedy.

“It all comes down to proper ventilation and detection in the places where people are living,” Joubert said.

If people are using fossil fuel-powered devices to heat their spaces, they should ensure the devices are maintained, and they should read the manufacturer’s manual for proper use.

Even with proper use, leaks can still occur, so it’s also imperative to install carbon monoxide detectors — which are as affordable and easy to install as a common smoke detector — on every floor where people spend time and as near as possible to the spaces where people sleep.

“It’s as simple as putting a screw into a wall and hanging it there,” Joubert said about the detectors. “Take the extra time, take the precautions, it is preventable if you take these extra steps.”