On July 11, 2025, three residents in Barberton, Ohio, were hospitalized after being exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in a home on the city’s east side. The Barberton Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide detector alert, finding two residents near the door exhibiting symptoms of exposure. Firefighters measured “lethal levels” of the gas, according to Fire Chief Bob Babcock, and EMS promptly transported the three individuals to a local hospital for treatment, though their conditions remain unknown. The incident highlights the critical role of functional carbon monoxide detectors, with the fire department urging residents to ensure their devices are operational, especially following a recent case where a Wooster family was saved by a detector provided by local police.
This event adds to a series of recent carbon monoxide incidents, including a tragic case in Mexico where a Des Plaines family died and an Oklahoma City exposure that hospitalized three others. The Barberton Fire Department’s response emphasizes the importance of early detection to prevent fatalities from this odorless, colorless gas. As investigations continue to determine the source of the leak, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by carbon monoxide, particularly in enclosed spaces. Community leaders and safety officials are reinforcing calls for regular maintenance of gas appliances and the installation of reliable detectors to avoid such emergencies, aligning with broader awareness efforts following the Apollo America detector recall in June 2025.