Downtown apartment complex temporarily evacuated due to high carbon monoxide levels

A report of an odour of smoke led to the evacuation of a downtown apartment/commercial complex on Thursday evening, March 27.

Firefighters were called to River Ridge Estates shortly before 6:30 p.m. The first crews on the scene confirmed there was an odour in the building. Minutes later, firefighters’ portable Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms activated, indicating high levels of the poisonous gas in the building.

Additional units, paramedics and utility crews, responded. Firefighters immediately began to evacuate the building. All floors of the complex were cleared by 7:30 p.m. and transit buses were provided as a warm area for evacuees.

After utility crews responded, parts of the building’s HVAC system were shut down and CO levels began decreasing. Residents were permitted to return to their apartments shortly after 9 p.m.

The suspected cause was a malfunctioning HVAC unit.

Carbon Monoxide alarms save lives

Acting Regional Fire Chief Kelly Roberts commended those who decided to make the quick 911 call to report an odour and she also stressed the importance of having working carbon monoxide detectors in all homes, including within individual apartments.

“Carbon monoxide has no colour, taste, or smell. It is impossible to detect without an alarm. It’s important to have working CO alarms on every level of your home and near every bedroom, she noted.

Know the signs of CO poisoning

Furnaces, hot water tanks or any appliance which runs on fuels like natural gas or propane can produce CO gas. A vehicle running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open, can cause CO to enter your home.

Symptoms may be flu-like and include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion and blurred vision. If your CO alarm sounds, leave the house immediately.