ROCKLAND — A malfunctioning water heater, which drew smoke and carbon monoxide from a fire into furnace and out through the heating vents, prompted the evacuation of occupants of the Brunswick House in Rockland Friday night.

According to Interim Fire Chief Adam Miceli, a fire alarm was activated at 8:13 p.m. on Feb. 26 at 204 Main St., which is owned by Colin Wentworth. Thirteen Rockland firefighters responded with Tower 3, Squad 3, Rescue 3, Car 1 and Rockport Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived, the building was partially evacuated. With a distinct burning odor immediately detectable and smoke in the basement, the first task for the crew was to evacuate the few people still inside the building.

"Due to previous false alarms and a lack of visible smoke, a few people failed to exit immediately but readily complied when the firefighters were clearing each floor," said Miceli in a news release.

Then, firefighters were able to concentrate on the cause of the problem, said Miceli.

After completing evacuation of the occupants, firefighters worked to clear the smoke and carbon monoxide from throughout the building.

Miceli said the fire occurred inside the oil-fired water heater, and that smoke and CO from the fire was pulled into the hot air furnace in the same room, and distributed throughout the building via the heating vents.

"The CO levels, while elevated, never reached immediately hazardous levels before the problem was eliminated," said Miceli.

Reach Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com and 207-706-6655.