Orleans family evacuated from home after high carbon monoxide levels detected

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Ottawa Fire Services say an Orléans family was evacuated from their home in the early morning hours of Saturday after a furnace malfunction caused carbon monoxide to emit inside.

Firefighters responded to the 1000 block of Fieldfair Way at 2:40 a.m. after the family "did the right thing" by calling 911 when their carbon monoxide alarm went off.

The young family with two children waited outside their home while firefighters took readings from inside.

The home recorded a CO level of 40 PPM and confirmed it was coming from the furnace. The furnace was shut off and the family was advised to have it serviced.

The home was ventilated and the family was able to stay at a relatives house for the rest of the evening.

No injuries were reported.

Last month, firefighters evacuated a Sandy Hill apartment building on Robinson Avenue after a reading of 36 PPM was detected inside.

Carbon monoxide, sometimes known as “the silent killer,” is an odourless, colourless gas that can be fatal in high concentrations. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, vomiting, headache, and eventually loss of consciousness and death.

Ottawa fire advises residents to ensure all fuel-burning appliances, including fireplaces, fuel heaters, dryers and furnaces are inspected annually.