Calgary Fire Responds to Early Morning Carbon Monoxide Incident
At around 5:00am, fire crews were dispatched to the 2700 block of 12 Avenue SE to investigate a carbon monoxide (CO) incident. Crews arrived at a three-story multi-unit residential complex and reported a strong exhaust odor on entry to the building. A resident had called 9-1-1 as their unit CO alarm was active.
Firefighters detected levels peak levels of over 150 ppm in the complex and activated the building fire alarm to evacuate all the occupants as any levels above 50 ppm are considered dangerous.
Calgary Transit was contacted and two buses attended the scene to provide for warm shelter for occupants. 62 people were evacuated onto the buses, while other occupants self-evacuated to other areas on their own. No injuries were reported.
Firefighters were able to locate the source of the CO as a roof top ventilation unit and gas was shut off to the unit. ATCO gas attended and confirmed the source, and fire crews ventilated the building until there was no CO levels detected. It was determined to be safe to allow everyone to re-occupy the building and responsibility turned back over to the property manager.
As part of Fire Prevention Week, this year, on October 8, the Calgary Fire Department and ATCO will be visiting homes in the Temple community, offering to install, test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as remind residents about the importance of knowing how to use lithium-ion batteries safely.
The Calgary Fire Department reminds all residents that working carbon monoxide alarms save lives, as was the case in this morning's incident.
Most commonly, the main source of CO gas in your home is your furnace, but any household appliances which run on fuels, like natural gas and propane and even fireplaces can be a source. Schedule routine maintenance and inspections performed by qualified personnel to ensure these appliances are working properly.
As weather conditions continue to cool down, another common source of CO is from vehicles. Never idle vehicles inside enclosed spaces, such as garages or near air inlets to buildings.
A CO alarm that is continuously repeating a 4-beeping pattern means it detects CO and everyone should get out and call 9-1-1. Let the Emergency Communications Officer know if anyone is experiencing the symptoms of CO exposure.
CO alarms should be installed on every level of the home including the basement and most importantly be placed near bedrooms so people can hear them where they sleep. CO alarms can be purchased at any hardware stores. Caution should be taken when ordering any CO alarms online and ensure that alarms meet Canadian safety standards.
For more information on carbon monoxide safety, visit calgary.ca/fire and ATCO Gas
-30-