Saskatoon fire department warns public of dangers of carbon monoxide

After two incidents in the past week with carbon monoxide near Prince Albert and in Winnipeg, the Saskatoon Fire Department wants to give the public a refresher on the poisonous gas.

In 2019, the fire department already has responded to 126 incidents. That’s a slightly lower pace than 2018, when the department handled 274 incidents.

Fire Chief Morgan Hackl said when it comes to the time of year where the department sees the most calls, summer is not the peak season.

He said there still is a worry for the summer season, though.

“We would traditionally see more of these calls during the winter months, but depending on different heating systems and ventilation, there can also be a concern (in the summer),” the fire chief said.

The odourless, colourless and tasteless gas is hard to detect, but there are a few warning signs.

Hackl said to look for symptoms such as headaches, nausea, confusion, dizziness, fatigue and vomiting.

Checking on carbon monoxide detectors and having proper ventilation are also key in preventing being poisoned by the gas.

Hackl said the fire department has approximately 140 primary care paramedics as well, and the department also has a monitor to detect the concentration of the gas in the air.

If you do suspect carbon monoxide, or are experiencing the effects, evacuate the area and immediately call 911.