ELY- The Ely Area Community Hub was evacuated Wednesdasy afternoon  in response to carbon monoxide alarms triggered emissions from a gas boiler.

According to a press release from the Ely Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to the building at 3:54 p.m. after carbon monoxide alarms prompted the evacuation. The source of the carbon monoxide, a malfunctioning gas boiler, had been shut down and isolated by building staff before firefighters arrived.

Using gas monitors and ventilation fans, Ely Fire personnel cleared the building of carbon monoxide. Once it was deemed safe, the facility was turned back over to the Ely Area Community Foundation and its tenants. The building reopened Wednesday evening and resumed normal operations Thursday.

The Hub houses several tenants, including Happy Days Learning Center, Northwoods Partners, Well-Being Development, and Functional Fitness. All tenants worked with their clients to ensure a calm and orderly evacuation.

Happy Days Learning Center was praised for its emergency preparedness. Staff implemented their evacuation plan, safely escorting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to a fenced play area adjacent to the building. Children remained under close supervision while parents were contacted through an emergency messaging system for early pickup. The center's fully operational carbon monoxide detectors provided sufficient warning to initiate the evacuation.

No injuries or illnesses were reported.

The building is currently being heated by an alternative source while the faulty boiler undergoes evaluation and repairs.

In addition to the Ely Fire Department, the Ely Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident.