Local CO Call Ends Safely Thanks to Working Alarms and Quick Action

The St. Marys Fire Department is reminding residents the importance of keeping fire hydrants, vents, and all exit pathways clear of snow and ice following a recent local incident that thankfully ended safely.

Recently, a concerned citizen contacted the Fire Department after noticing that decks and rear exits at several residences had not been cleared of snow. The caller raised an important point. While residents are often reminded to clear snow from fire hydrants and vents, escape routes such as doors, decks, and exits are just as critical in an emergency.

“This call highlights something we do not talk about enough,” says Fire Chief, Phil West. “In an emergency, seconds matter. Residents must ensure they have more than one clear way out of their home.”

The reminder comes on the heels of a recent carbon monoxide call attended by the St. Marys Fire Department. Fire crews responded to a residence where carbon monoxide alarms were sounding. Upon investigation, firefighters discovered that furnace intake and exhaust vents were partially blocked after a large volume of snow slid off a neighbour’s steel roof, creating a three-foot snow drift along the side of the home.

While the blockage was only partial, the snow buildup created a wall that caused carbon monoxide to be drawn back into the house. When firefighters arrived, their gas detection equipment immediately alarmed due to elevated carbon monoxide levels inside the home.

“The outcome could have been very different,” says Chief West. “The residents were fortunate to have multiple working carbon monoxide alarms. Those alarms very likely saved two lives that night by alerting them there was a serious issue.”

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and invisible gas that cannot be detected by human senses. The St. Marys Fire Department reminds residents that Ontario law requires carbon monoxide alarms on every level of a home. These alarms save lives.

Winter Safety Reminders

Residents are reminded to regularly check their property and ensure the following:

•       At least three feet of clearance around all fire hydrants

•       Snow and ice are cleared from all furnace and dryer vents

•       All exits including rear doors, decks, and walkways are kept clear to provide multiple ways out in an emergency

To learn more about carbon monoxide safety, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/carbon-monoxide-safety

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For media inquiries:
Phil West, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | pwest@town.stmarys.on.ca