THUNDER BAY -- Thunder Bay Fire Rescue says several recent incidents of carbon monoxide leaks point to the need for residents to ensure they have a working CO detector.
Over the past two weeks alone, the fire service has been called to four homes in the city after the occupants were alerted by their carbon monoxide alarms.
Firefighters confirmed the presence of CO in each case.
Deputy Fire Chief Greg Hankkio said Ontario law requires alarms outside each sleeping area of any residence with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
"Only a CO alarm can alert you to its deadly presence," Hankkio said in a prepared statement.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headache, nausea, burning eyes, fainting, confusion or drowsiness. There is a risk that these symptoms may be mistaken for the flu.
Continued exposure to CO can cause a person to lose consciousness and may result in brain damage or death.
Three of the recent incidents involved faulty furnaces, while the other case involved a wood-burning stove.
