Hays, KS – At 4:38 PM Wednesday, city of Hays fire crews were dispatched to an automatic fire alarm at McMindes Hall on the Fort Hays State University campus.
Upon arrival, firefighters found gasoline engine exhaust fumes had activated the fire alarm and high levels of carbon monoxide were present throughout the six-floor building.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus made sure all occupants were evacuated and ventilated the building to remove the danger. The source of the exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide was determined to be from a construction crew using gasoline powered tools inside the building without adequate ventilation.