THUNDER BAY — A carbon monoxide leak led to the hospitalization of five residents of a south side residence on Wednesday, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reports.
The fire department said the building owner’s failure to provide working carbon monoxide detectors on each floor, as legally required, resulted in two residents falling unconscious due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Fire crews responded to the incident after a resident of the building, in the 1500 block of Victoria Avenue East, reported feeling nauseous and fatigued.
Firefighters discovered two occupants unconscious inside the residence, bringing them outside to receive medical attention from paramedics and transported to hospital.
Three other residents walked out of the building on their own power, but were also taken to hospital for care, fire department officials said.
Kevin Anderson, captain of fire prevention, education, and investigation, said all five residents had been released and were “fine and well” Thursday after receiving oxygen therapy.
Firefighters detected high levels of carbon monoxide inside the home, and Enbridge Gas identified a faulty furnace as the cause.
The property owner was ticketed, with a fine of $360, for failing to install a carbon monoxide alarm where required. Anderson said one alarm was present, but not functional, and a working alarm is required on each floor.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue reminds residents that it is the law to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and outside all sleeping areas, if your home has a fuel fired appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage.
Residents can learn more at www.thunderbay.ca/fire
