Calgary fire department issues alert over carbon monoxide following 2 close calls

The Calgary Fire Department says January is usually the time of year when they see the highest number of carbon monoxide calls. Officials say a carbon monoxide detector is the only way to detect the tasteless, odourless and invisible gas.

The Calgary Fire Department says the number of carbon monoxide (CO) calls are up, as Calgary deals with frigid temperatures.

Alex Kwan, public information officer with the CFD, said since Tuesday, crews responded to 23 CO calls with 12 confirmed incidents.

Looking at data over the last five years, he said the fire department gets the most calls for CO exposure in December, January and February, with January having the highest number of reports.

He added in 2025, CFD responded to 62 CO calls in January and 69 in February.

So far this year, the CFD had 73 CO calls in January and 44 calls in February as of 5 p.m. Thursday.

CO scare at Calgary home

Around 8:30 a.m. Thursday, fire crews arrived at a home in the 4700 block of Marbury Place N.E., after carbon monoxide levels were reported as high as 550 ppm.

Carbon monoxide levels that high can be fatal in a matter of hours.

“Our normal protocol is to evacuate people at 50 ppm,” Kwan said.

The fire department says the home was equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm.

Two people were taken to hospital, but are expected to recover.

Firefighters shut down the furnace and ventilated the home, and ATCO attended the scene.

Calgary hotel evacuated over carbon monoxide concerns

Later in the afternoon Thursday, hazardous levels of carbon monoxide were found at the Emerald Hotel & Suites, located at 2750 Sunridge Blvd. N.E.

120 guests and staff were evacuated and EMS transported two patients to hospital in stable condition.

According to CFD, the toxic gas was coming from a malfunctioning boiler.

Kwan said both incidents highlight the importance of having working carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

“It’s the only way to detect this invisible, tasteless gas. There’s no odour to it as well,” he said.

CO alarms can be purchased at most hardware stores.