LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
The Paris Fire Department responded on Jan. 31 to a report of a gas odor inside the Taco Bell restaurant located in Paris. Upon arrival, firefighters conducted interior air monitoring using a four-gas detection meter and immediately identified elevated levels of carbon monoxide just inside the entrance of the business.
As a precautionary safety measure, two employees who were inside the restaurant at the time were evacuated. The on-scene Fire Captain requested assistance from Ameren CIPS to further investigate the issue.
The investigation determined that a malfunctioning hood ventilation system was not properly exhausting combustion byproducts from the restaurant’s gas appliances, resulting in a hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide inside the facility. Ameren CIPS subsequently red-tagged the ventilation system, and the business was advised to remain closed until necessary repairs are completed.
Fire Chief Zack Janis spoke with both the supervisor and manager on scene, who indicated they had contacted their service company immediately to address the issue. The manager will notify the Fire Department once repairs are completed and the building is safe for reopening.
“We are grateful for the equipment our department has available to accurately identify hazards like this and to protect both employees and the public,” Chief Janis said. “Situations like this serve as a reminder that the fire department often serves as the community’s all-hazards, universal response agency."
Chief Janis also commended the restaurant manager for recognizing that something was not right and promptly calling for assistance.
“That attentiveness helped prevent a potentially serious situation. Great work, Tabby," he said.
Taco Bell will remain closed until repairs are completed and the facility is deemed safe for occupancy.
For additional information, please contact the Paris Fire Department.