Calgary Fire Department evacuates 35 on Bannister Road S.E. due to carbon monoxide

This morning at approximately 7:20, the Calgary Fire Department responded to a three story condominium building at the 15200 block of Bannister Road S.E.for the smell of gas as reported by a resident on the third floor. Upon arrival, fire crews evacuated the 35 people from the 60 unit building. On investigation, firefighters discovered readings of 150 to 310 parts per million of carbon monoxide ( CO ) throughout the building. The evacuees were staged  in Calgary Transit busses until re-entry is allowed. Firefighters went door to door and those residents who did not evacuate were asked to leave as fire crews assessed their unit for CO levels. Firefighters and ATCO Gas found the source of the CO to be a fresh air intake on the roof which was plugged with ice. Crews remedied the problem and are ventilating the building and assessing the CO levels to ensure safety before re-entry is allowed. One person was assessed by EMS however no other injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating gas which can be potentially deadly. A properly installed and maintained carbon monoxide alarm will alert you to CO build-up in your home. Fore more information on carbon monoxide, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire.

-30-