Some residents evacuated from Winnipeg highrise after carbon monoxide alarm

Winnipeg residents in a highrise apartment complex were told to evacuate or shelter in place after elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected in the building.

The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service was called to an apartment block on Evergreen Place, in the Osborne Village neighbourhood, shortly after 8 a.m. Friday with a report of a carbon monoxide alarm going off. 

Firefighters found carbon monoxide levels of up to 15 parts per million in some areas, a city release said on Friday afternoon. Health Canada says the long-term (24 hour or more) exposure limit for an indoor space is 10 parts per million.

Some residents were told to leave their suites while others were told to shelter in place, the city said. 

Paramedics also responded, but no one needed medical attention or to be taken to hospital, and residents were later able to return to the suites.

Fire crews ventilated the building and said the exposure may have been related to the heating system in the building. 

The city reminds the public that exposure to carbon monoxide gas can be fatal for people and pets. 

The gas has no smell, taste or colour, and is released in the air when a fossil fuel does not burn completely. 

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, shortness of breath and difficulty hearing or seeing, but no fever.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed on every level of a home and close to sleeping areas, the city said. 

People should leave the building immediately and call 911 if the alarm sounds or if they think they've been exposed to carbon monoxide.