Potential carbon monoxide problem found in Fort Bragg housing

The problem was first reported Aug. 4, when the family went to Womack, and a second family complained of a "petroleum odor" in their home three days later, officials said.

Staff from the Fort Bragg's Department of Public Works and Corvias, which owns housing on the post, investigated and found the source of the problem to be the heating, ventilation and air conditioner unit installed in the laundry rooms of the homes. The main intake duct on the gas-powered HVAC unit in each home was partially blocked, officials said, and carbon monoxide built up when the door to the laundry room was closed as the HVAC pushed carbon monoxide produced by nearby hot water heaters throughout the homes.

Eighty-eight homes on post were identified to have a potential risk of carbon monoxide, and all residents have been notified of the risk and how to resolve the issue, officials said.

Initial emails and phone calls were made to all affected families, followed by in-person warnings from first responders to ensure the residents understood the risk, officials said.

Nineteen families couldn't be contacted in person, however, so first responders and Corvias personnel went inside those homes to confirm everyone was safe, check the carbon monoxide monitors and repair or replace any found to be faulty, officials said. Notices also were placed on the laundry doors and exterior doors of the homes.

Only one home wasn't entered due to dogs inside, but they appeared to be safe, officials said.

This week, Corvias will remove the doors to the laundry rooms of all 88 homes and conduct tests of the unoccupied homes to find a quick and permanent solution, officials said.

Residents can all Corvias at 866-206-1365 or the Department of Public Works at 910-908-4504 to report a problem.