HARRINGTON — Harrington police credited firefighters for allegedly discovering a small amount of marijuana Sunday night while checking a residence for an unknown odor reportedly making several persons ill.

Harrington Police Department Lt. Earl K. Brode said Monday that the incident at approximately 8 p.m. the night before began with the Harrington and Houston fire companies being called to a residence in the block of Weiner Avenue, along with Kent County EMS.

Using a meter that detects carbon dioxide and combustibles, fire personnel tried to find the odor in the residence split into two apartments, Lt. Brode said. When the meter registered negative, police said, the search continued.

“There were all electrical appliances so we ruled that out,” said Lt. Brode, who was the second assistant fire chief at the scene.

While searching, police said, firefighters allegedly located a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the apartment.

After the discovery, Harrington Police Department officers were called to the scene, authorities said.

Police arrived and contacted Tracy Perkins, 50, a resident of the apartment where the marijuana allegedly was found.

Authorities said a test was conducted showing the substance to be marijuana.

Kent County paramedics also used the meter to test six people for any carbon dioxide, police said, and no problems were found.

All those tested, including some juveniles, declined further treatment, police said.

Mr. Perkins was issued a criminal summons for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia at the scene according to Lt. Brode.

Mr. Perkins was released with a court appearance pending, authorities said.

According to Lt. Brode, police and firefighters found that the odor in question was coming from the marijuana located in Mr. Perkins’ apartment.

There were no other safety issues found, police said.

Two ambulances responded from the Harrington Fire Company, Houston Fire Company sent an ambulance and Kent County Paramedics had two units at the scene.

With several Harrington police officers serving as firefighters, Lt. Brode said there’s strong cooperation between the company and department.

Lt. Brode said drugs allegedly were found by firefighters in at least one other instance that led to police involvement.

Also, police have been called to fire scenes when bystanders or occupants potentially become disorderly or fail to comply with commands.