Full Notification

Fifty-four inmates were temporarily evacuated after a recently installed heat pump leaked carbon monoxide into a cell at the McDowell County jail Wednesday afternoon.
None of the inmates were transported to the hospital.
“A few people, including myself, had slightly elevated CO2 levels, but EMS remained on the scene and monitored everyone’s condition to ensure the CO2 levels dropped out of the area of concern,” said Sheriff Dudley Greene.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., when the heat kicked on in the facility, inmates in one cell block and jail staff members began smelling an odor coming from the duct work, which made them suspect carbon monoxide.
“Marion Fire Department came in and determined there was a sufficient amount of carbon monoxide to be concerned,” Greene stated.
The cell block was evacuated. Inmates were moved outdoors inside a fenced area until the remaining cell blocks were checked and cleared then the inmates were moved back inside to the other blocks.
Paramedics responded immediately and began checking inmates and staff.
Greene said fire department personnel will continue to monitor carbon monoxide levels in the jail over the holiday. The gas did not make its way into the administrative offices or other cell blocks.
“Our jail staff did an outstanding job recognizing a potential danger,” the sheriff said. “We also appreciate the quick response of the EMS, fire department and Emergency Management and their assistance.”