UPDATE:
The Gainesville Fire Department has released additional information on a carbon dioxide buildup Wednesday at Big Creek Foods in Gainesville.
At approximately 11:57 a.m. the Gainesville Fire Department responded to reports of Big Creek Foods employees complaining of dizziness while in the break room at the facility. Officials performed readings that indicated higher-than-normal CO2 levels and the building was immediately evacuated.
Several employees complained of illness, with one person being transported to the hospital. Investigations led to the discovery of a malfunctioning food dryer and an exhaust system that wasn't working properly. The equipment was reset and returned to full operability.
Employees were able to return inside the building at approximately 2 p.m.
AS OF 2:27 P.M.:
One person was transported to the hospital Wednesday afternoon after a buildup of carbon dioxide at Big Creek Foods on White Sulphur Road in Gainesville.
According to Gainesville Fire Department Chief Brandon Ellis, the incident involved a mild buildup of carbon dioxide which led some employees to complain of general illness. One person was eventually transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville for general illness, but no other injuries were reported.
The building was evacuated by the facility manager and crews worked to ventilate the structure until all levels were back to normal, according to Ellis.
The facility had maintenance on site as of about 1:30 p.m. working to check all equipment and determine the reason for the buildup.
The pet treat producer's Gainesville facility is family-owned, according to its website.
