On Friday, October 14, 2022, at 12:12 p.m., the Grande Prairie Fire Department responded to a report of a carbon monoxide alarm activation in a business north of downtown.

On arrival, the fire department found elevated carbon monoxide levels in the business and adjoining business.

Occupants of two businesses were experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. Several animals also had to be removed from the building.

The incident commander requested EMS to respond to the scene to assess the occupants.  EMS requested additional resources to help assess the occupants. EMS transported 18 patients to the hospital for care.

A total of three fire department units and five EMS units were on scene to assist.

The source of carbon monoxide was determined to be a contractor operating a gas-powered tool in another part of the building.

Operators are reminded that gas-powered tools produce high levels of carbon monoxide and can cause serious health risks to individuals. A working carbon monoxide detector is credited for giving an early warning and saving lives, after activating and alerting the occupants to the dangerous situation.

The Grande Prairie Fire Department reminds residents to install and test carbon monoxide detectors.

Information provided by the Grande Prairie Fire Department