PENHOLD - Firefighters are crediting an installed carbon monoxide detector for averting tragedy during an early morning incident at a local home.
"This could have been a very different and tragic outcome,” said Jim Pendergast, chief of the Penhold Fire Department.
He said local fire crews responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at a residence at about 1:30 a.m. on April 5. Three fire units and eight firefighters responded to the alarm.
“We had initial readings of more than 130 parts per million throughout the two-storey home. We checked all the appliances with the assistance of ATCO Gas and it was determined that a vehicle was left running in the garage," said Acting Fire Lieut. Max Johnston.
Pendergast said two adults who were inside the house at the time of the alarm did not suffer any injuries.
"They were lucky that the home was equipped with carbon monoxide detectors which alerted them and they called 911," said Pendergast.
He said it took until about 3:30 a.m. to clear the home of all the carbon monoxide and get the readings down to zero.
Pendergast said the fire department is reminding citizens not to leave vehicles running in their garages even with the door open, and to make sure carbon monoxide alarms are current and in working order.
