Calgary firefighters responded to an early morning carbon monoxide incident today.
At around 5:00 a.m., fire crews rushed to a three-story residential building in the 2700 block of 12 Avenue SE. A resident had called 9-1-1 after their carbon monoxide (CO) alarm went off. Crews smelled a strong exhaust odor as soon as they entered the complex.
Firefighters detected peak CO levels over 150 ppm inside the building. Because levels above 50 ppm are dangerous, crews activated the building fire alarm and evacuated the occupants. Calgary Transit sent two buses to the scene to keep residents warm. Firefighters evacuated 62 people onto the buses, while other residents found safe shelter elsewhere. No one reported injuries.
Firefighters traced the source of the leak to a rooftop ventilation unit and shut off its gas supply. ATCO Gas arrived and confirmed the source. Crews ventilated the building until sensors showed no remaining CO. Firefighters then allowed residents back into their homes and handed control back to the property manager.
The Calgary Fire Department reminds everyone that working CO alarms save lives, as demonstrated this morning.
Key Safety Tips:
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Common Sources: Furnaces, gas appliances, fireplaces, and idling vehicles inside garages or near air inlets generate CO gas. Schedule annual maintenance with qualified technicians.
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Alarm Signals: A continuous 4-beep pattern signals active CO gas. Exit the building immediately and call 9-1-1. Inform the dispatcher if anyone feels symptoms of exposure.
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Installation: Place alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Ensure online alarm purchases meet Canadian safety standards.
As part of Fire Prevention Week, the Calgary Fire Department and ATCO will visit homes in the Temple community on October 8. They will test, replace, and install smoke and CO alarms, while educating residents on lithium-ion battery safety.
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