KITTERY — The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office has provided updated information regarding a carbon monoxide incident that occurred on February 12 at Building Blocks Learning Center.
Initially, the Fire Marshal’s Office was informed that a construction permit had not been obtained for the suite where a propane-powered concrete saw was being operated.
Officials later clarified that the unit had a valid local building permit at the time of the incident.
The incident occurred at the child care center located at 1 Route 236. Seven people were transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after staff noticed an odor and individuals began feeling unwell.
Staff evacuated the children and called the fire department. No fire alarm was activated when responders arrived.
Officials from the Kittery Fire Department, Kittery Code Enforcement, the Maine Fuel Board, and the Fire Marshal’s Office were on scene until after midnight investigating the incident.
The Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed the carbon monoxide source was a propane-powered concrete saw operated in an adjacent suite under construction. The saw, not affiliated with the child care, had been used throughout the day.
Propane-powered saws are not intended for indoor use and are often labeled to prevent operation in unventilated spaces. Carbon monoxide from the saw’s exhaust likely entered the daycare through an HVAC air intake duct or above a suspended ceiling that had been removed during construction.
The Fire Marshal’s Office confirmed no construction permit was obtained through their office or local code enforcement for the suite where the saw was operated. A fire alarm system was installed in the building, but detectors in the area where the saw was used had been covered.
Investigators have conducted dozens of interviews and are consulting with the fire alarm company to determine if carbon monoxide detectors were present.
State Fire Marshal Shawn Esler praised the daycare providers for their quick response.
The investigation remains ongoing.
