High levels of carbon monoxide forces evacuation of high-rise building in Overbrook

A high-rise building in Overbrook was evacuated due to high levels of carbon monoxide on Sunday, February 6, because the building's furnace heater on the roof was blocked with snow.

Ottawa fire crews were called to the 22-storey building on Donald Street, between Quill Street & Beaudry Street Sunday morning.

The high levels of carbon monoxide were detected on multiple floors, Ottawa Fire Services said in a series of tweets.

The entire building proceeded to be evacuated. Several residents needed assistance.

Ottawa public transit brought buses for the residents to stay warm. It was minus-13 C in but felt like minus-20 C.

The department’s hazmat team determined the cause of the carbon monoxide was the blocked furnace heater on the roof.

Firefighters then ventilated the entire building, and carbon monoxide levels have since dropped to zero.

Residents have returned home. There were no reported injuries.