Two forced from their home due to ‘dangerous’ carbon monoxide levels

Firefighters needed to treat one person on scene after a caller reported a carbon monoxide alarm sounding in their single-family home.

Crews responded at around 6:26 a.m. on Friday morning to the 300 block of Amiens Street in Orleans. The dispatcher from Ottawa fire told the two occupants to wait outside for teams in the fresh air. That’s where firefighters needed to administer oxygen to one person who was feeling lightheaded.

Paramedics were called to the scene for further assessment.

Donning full protective equipment and breathing apparatus, crews entered the home and found readings of 100 parts per million (PPM) of CO at the front entrance of the home. While travelling further inside, levels reached as high as 375 PPM in the basement near the boiler and hot water tank.

Teams shut down both appliances and began ventilating the home by opening windows and using high-powered fans.

Enbridge Gas was called to assist. Crews monitored the air quality until levels dropped to 0 PPM.

Technicians from Enbridge confirmed the source of the leak was the boiler.

“Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that can be deadly. Exposure to CO levels above 70 PPM can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea,” a press release from officials noted. “Ensure your home is equipped with working CO alarms on every level, especially near sleeping areas, and have all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by a qualified technician.”