Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to a four-storey apartment building early on Thursday, December 24, 2020, for reports of the smell of gas.
The building was evacuated and firefighters used monitors that confirmed the presence of carbon monoxide. Levels had reached between 70-90 parts per million in various areas of the structure.
Manitoba Hydro crews discovered that the issue was caused due to snow that had built up around a gas-fired rooftop furnace. Once the issue was fixed firefighters ventilated the building and the residents were able to safely return to their suited.
Three people were assessed by paramedics on the scene but none of them needed to be taken to hospital.
WFPS say that carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal and can be prevented by following a few guidelines:
- Never idle vehicles in an attached garage, even if the door is open.
- Have fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, wood-burning fireplaces, and gas dryers cleaned and checked annually by a qualified service technician.
- Ensure all fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents, and chimneys are clear of snow, insulation, leaves, bird nests, lint, and debris.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and vented.
- Don’t operate gasoline-powered engines, charcoal or propane barbecues or grills, or kerosene stoves, indoors or in enclosed spaces.
It is also a good idea to have a working carbon monoxide alarm on every floor of your home. Carbon monoxide is orderless and deadly.
© News4.ca 2020
