Calgary Fire Department evacuates over 130 suites in N.W. due to high carbon monoxide levels

At approximately 10:30 this morning, Calgary fire crews were called to the 8800 block of Royal Birch Blvd. by ATCO Gas for elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Readings in the building were found to be as high as 380 parts per million which pose serious and immediate risk to residents' health. All 132 units in the four story condominium building were evacuated resulting in the temporary displacement of approximately 80 people. Calgary Transit buses have been brought in to shelter the evacuees. Calgary firefighters and Atco Gas are working to find the precise source of the carbon monoxide. Fire crews are currently ventilating the building however readings between 140 - 200 parts per million still persist in certain areas. One person was transferred to AHS for care and transport. No other injuries as a result of this incident have been reported.

The Calgary Fire Department reminds Calgarians that carbon monoxide is a potentially lethal gas which is odourless, colourless, and tasteless. It is produced when fuels burn incompletely. Your two lines of defense are annual inspection of all natural gas burning appliances and wood burning fireplaces and to install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector.

For more information on carbon monoxide safety, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire or www.atcogas.com

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