The silent threat that sent a Calgary family to hospital this week serves as a stark winter safety reminder for all Canadians.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, emergency crews rushed to a home in Calgary’s northeast community of Martindale, where five people, including a child, were experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Fire crews detected dangerous levels of the odorless gas inside the residence, measuring at 180 parts per million—a reading that can cause disorientation and unconsciousness with prolonged exposure.
“When levels reach above 150 parts per million, we’re in a situation where immediate evacuation is necessary,” said Calgary Fire Department spokesperson Carol Henke in a statement yesterday. “This family was extremely fortunate that someone recognized the symptoms before it became tragic.”
All five occupants were transported to hospital in stable condition, according to EMS officials. The child, whose age hasn’t been disclosed, reportedly showed milder symptoms than the adults.
This incident comes amid a concerning trend. Alberta Health Services reports a 23% increase in carbon monoxide-related emergency calls during the current heating season compared to last year, with 72 incidents recorded since October across the Calgary zone alone.
Carbon monoxide, often called the “silent killer,” is particularly dangerous because it’s undetectable without proper equipment. The colorless, odorless gas displaces oxygen in the bloodstream when inhaled, causing symptoms that many initially mistake for flu: headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion.
“The problem we constantly face is that early symptoms mimic common winter illnesses,” explained Dr. Miranda Chen, an emergency physician at Foothills Medical Centre who treats several carbon monoxide cases each winter. “By the time severe symptoms appear, it’s often reached dangerous levels.”
Investigators determined a faulty furnace was the source of the leak in the Martindale home. The residence lacked working carbon monoxide detectors, something fire officials note is unfortunately common despite being required by provincial building codes.
“This family had smoke alarms, which is great, but many Albertans don’t realize carbon monoxide detectors are equally important—and legally required,” Henke noted.
The incident underscores broader concerns about home heating safety across Canada. According to the Canadian Safety Council, carbon monoxide poisoning causes more than 50 deaths annually nationwide, with over 80% occurring during heating season.
For Calgary resident Jamal Nasir, who lives three doors down from where the incident occurred, the news hit especially close to home.
“We just replaced our furnace last month, but honestly, I hadn’t checked our carbon monoxide detector in probably a year,” Nasir admitted when I spoke with him yesterday afternoon. “I tested it as soon as I heard about what happened to our neighbors.”
Local HVAC companies report being inundated with service calls since news of the incident broke. Horizon Heating and Cooling confirmed a 40% increase in furnace inspection requests over the past 48 hours.
“It shouldn’t take an emergency to remind people about maintenance,” said Terry Schultz, Horizon’s operations manager. “Annual furnace inspections cost around $150, but they can identify problems before they become dangerous.”
Alberta’s Safety Codes Council recommends homeowners take three critical steps: install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home, especially near bedrooms; have fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually; and never use portable generators or barbecues indoors.
The timing of this incident is particularly concerning to safety officials as we enter the coldest months of winter, when heating systems run nearly constantly and homes remain tightly sealed against the cold.
“December through February is when we see our highest call volumes for carbon monoxide emergencies,” confirmed Henke. “It’s essential that Calgarians—and all Canadians—take precautions now.”
For renters, Alberta law requires landlords to install working carbon monoxide detectors in all residential properties where fuel-burning appliances are present or where there’s an attached garage. Tenants who notice missing or non-functioning detectors should contact their landlord immediately, and can file complaints with municipal authorities if necessary.
As temperatures dropped to -27°C overnight in Calgary, this incident serves as a sobering reminder that the greatest winter dangers aren’t always visible. The family is expected to make a full recovery, but many others aren’t so fortunate.
“Check your detectors today,” urged Henke. “It takes thirty seconds to press that test button, but it could save your family’s life.”
