CALGARY FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPOND TO CARBON MONOXIDE IN NW HOME

At approximately 1:00 a.m. the Calgary Fire Department responded to the 7000 block of Ranchero Road N.W. for medical assistance.  Upon arrival crews discovered three adult occupants from a unit in a multi-family townhouse complex in the care of EMS.  Crews entered the residence and with the use of monitoring equipment detected carbon monoxide levels of 300 parts per million inside the home.  Fire crews evacuated one adult and three children from an adjacent unit and detected levels of 20 parts per million of carbon monoxide in that home.  Upon investigation, the source of the carbon monoxide was determined to be the inappropriate use of outdoor cooking briquettes inside an enclosed area.  Fire crews ventilated both residences and occupants were later allowed to return to their homes.

The Calgary Fire Department would like to remind Calgarians about the danger of using cooking material designed for exterior use or in well ventilated areas, inside enclosed areas.  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odourless, tasteless gas that can cause illness or even death. Carbon monoxide is produced when a fuel such as gasoline, natural gas, propane or wood, burns incompletely.  Fuel-burning appliances can produce carbon monoxide if they are not installed, used and maintained properly.

 If you, another person or pet show symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:

A carbon monoxide detector is not a substitute for prevention but it can be a good second line of defence. If you buy an alarm, choose a model certified by a recognized testing agency such as Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and follow manufacturer's instructions for installation, use and maintenance. Carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at any hardware or household goods store.

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