EAST PROVIDENCE — The actions of various city departments likely saved numerous victims of a recent accident from even more serious illness, according to East Providence Fire Chief Oscar Elmasian.

Chief Elmasian was effusive in praising the efforts of his firefighters as well as those from a host of other departments that assisted during the carbon monoxide leak that took place Saturday evening, Jan. 23, at the Holy Ghost Beneficial Brotherhood Club located on Phillips Street.

A faulty heating unit was at the root cause of the leak, which occurred as patrons to the establishment attended a private function during what was the first significant snowstorm to hit the area this winter.

In addition to the 17 pieces of apparatus used by firefighters during the event from 13 different departments, Chief Elmasian lauded the performance of the East Providence Public Works and Police Departments.

"If the streets weren't cleared the way they did, it would have been a mess for us and the outside companies," Chief Elmasian said.

He also acknowledged the work of EPFD Lieutenant Steven Mastriano, of Engine Co. 2 Group 3, who was tasked recently with procuring new and improved carbon monoxide detectors for the department. Those new gauges greatly aided the evaluation of the situation on site the evening of the incident.

"This city has dynamic departments serving the residents and they all did an excellent job," the chief added.

In review of the event, Chief Elmasian told the Council rescues from 11 departments — three from East Providence, two each from Providence and Pawtucket, one each from Barrington, Cranston, North Providence, Warren, Warwick and Seekonk — transported 26 patrons directly from the HGBB Club to hospital. Later, four other patrons who succumbed to the gases were transported for treatment from their private residences by Bristol, Lincoln, Attleboro and Central Falls rescue.

The chief said in response to the incident members of the General Assembly, including some local representatives, as well as the State Fire Marshal's Office are considering submitting legislation requiring establishments like the HGBB Club to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The chief tempered the talk by saying, "we need to get (the law) right" and that there shouldn't be a "knee-jerk" reaction to the matter.

Also, the chief said the leak "could have happened anywhere" at a similar business as that of the HGBB Club regardless, adding it can and has occurred at older establishments and as well as newer ones.