Winnipeg, MB – At 8:14 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to a medical emergency in a house under construction on Beck Cove.
Paramedics were first on scene and entered the house. Within seconds, carbon monoxide detectors fastened to their medical equipment bags sounded, having detected unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in the house.
Paramedics worked quickly to evacuate bystanders who had been providing medical care to an unresponsive patient. The patient was ultimately declared deceased at the scene.
Minutes later, firefighters arrived on scene and recorded readings of over 2,000 parts per million (ppm) inside the house.
The two bystanders were assessed and treated by paramedics. One was transported to hospital in unstable condition. The first-arriving paramedics were also taken to hospital for assessment and treatment.
It is believed a gas-powered pump running in the house was the source of the carbon monoxide build-up. Fire crews ventilated the building thoroughly. Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health were notified about the incident.
Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous colourless, odourless, tasteless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels. Exposure can be deadly. WFPS reminds residents that carbon monoxide poisoning causes flu-like symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Vision and hearing impairment
- Shortness of breath
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, exit immediately and call 9-1-1. To stay safe, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every floor of your home and follow these tips:
- Have fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, wood-burning fireplaces and gas dryers cleaned and checked annually by a qualified service technician.
- Make sure wood stoves are properly installed and vented.
- Never idle vehicles in an attached garage even if the garage door is open.
- Ensure all fresh air intake vents, exhaust vents, and chimneys are clear of snow, ice, insulation, leaves, bird nests, lint, and debris
- Check forced air fans for proper ventilation.
- Don't operate gasoline-powered engines, charcoal or propane barbecue/grills, or kerosene stoves in closed spaces or indoors.
Enniskillen Avenue fire
At 11:13 a.m. on Thursday, July 27, 2023, the WFPS responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey, single-family house in the 300 block of Enniskillen Avenue.
When crews arrived to the scene, they found smoke coming from the structure. Firefighters entered and fought the fire from inside the house. The fire was declared under control at 11:36 a.m.
Crews completed a search of the structure and no occupants were located. There were no injuries reported.
The fire is believed to be accidental due to an electrical failure. Damage estimates are not available at this time.