Ocean City Fire Department Press Release

OCEAN CITY HOTEL EVACUATED DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE

An investigation as to the cause of the elevated levels of carbon monoxide inside the Americana Hotel located at 916 Atlantic Ave., has been initiated by the Fire Marshals Division of the Ocean City Fire Department.

Although the cause is still under investigation, pending review from a third party mechanical inspector, the hotel's LP gas-burning equipment has not been ruled out as a potential factor in the incident. Public occupancy of the hotel has been prohibited by the Fire Marshals Division and the Town of Ocean City Building Inspectors Office, pending the conclusion of the Fire Marshals investigation as well as the review by the mechanical inspection agency.

The hotel is protected by a fire alarm system and a sprinkler system. However, Carbon monoxide detectors were not installed in the structure. The Ocean City Fire Prevention Code requires the installation of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in multi-family dwellings such as hotels and motels to ensure the safe operation of fuel burning devices.

The initial two victims were transported to the hospital and are currently being held for observation. A third victim was treated and released at the scene.

The Ocean City Tourism Department and the Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association assisted the building management in arranging for accommodations for the displaced hotel guests.