Calgary Fire Department responds to carbon monoxide call in N.W.
At approximately 9 p.m.on December 30th, the Calgary Fire Department was called to the 8800 block of Royal Birch Blvd N.W.. for reports of carbon monoxide in the 140 unit, 4 story condominium apartment building. Fire crews immediately evacuated residents from the building due to the levels of CO found throughout. City of Calgary Transit buses were brought in to provide temporary shelter for the evacuees. Upon investigation, firefighters discovered that the make-up air intake vents for the heating units were sealed off by frost causing CO to build up.
Firefighters cleared the obstructed air intakes and ventilated the building. ATCO Gas and the management company inspected the building to ensure that all the heating units were in good working order. Residents were allowed to return to their apartments after a period of approximately three hours. No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and non-irritating gas that can be deadly.
CO is formed from the incomplete combustion of common fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil, coal, wood, charcoal and kerosene as well as from the burning of almost any other combustible material. Common sources of CO in the home are:
- Burning a wood fire without opening a window
- Clogged or blocked fireplace or furnace chimney
- Corroded or disconnected water heater vent connector pipe
- Leaving a vehicle running in a garage, even with the garage door open
- Blocked fresh air intakes (leaves, snow or ice, bird nests or other debris)
To prevent CO exposure in your home, ensure all fuel burning appliances are properly installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly installed and maintained carbon monoxide alarm will alert you to CO build-up in your home.
For further information on CO and other home safety tips, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire
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