HENRICO, Va. – Henrico Fire units responded to the China House restaurant located at 4703 Nine Mile Rd for a report of the smell of gas and a generator running inside of a closed business, at 8:12a.m., Saturday morning.
When crews arrived on scene the found the restaurant locked with a running generator inside of it.
According to Henrico fire crews, carbon monoxide readings were in the 700-800 ppm (parts per million) range. A normal carbon monoxide reading level ranges from 0-5 ppm.
Five surrounding businesses were also affected, with readings in the 300-400 ppm range for carbon monoxide.
Units were on scene for several hours ventilating the affected businesses, to reduce the levels to a safe range.
The restaurant was using the generator to power coolers to keep food cold after power was lost when a motor vehicle accident damaged a power pole and lines in the area.
The health department is investigating to ensure food safety.
No injuries were reported.
