A carbon monoxide leak has prompted the evacuation of 18 occupied condo units in a development in Fairmont Hot Springs.

The call came in at 12:25 a.m. (Dec. 28) with the fire department, RCMP and BC Ambulance responding.

“The call came in as a possible carbon monoxide leak, so our firefighters donned the proper protective equipment and monitors on arrival.  Upon entry into the building, carbon monoxide levels of over 200 parts per million were detected and we immediately evacuated all 18 units,” explained Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Chief Drew Sinclair.

“One family of five has been sent to hospital for further examination and observation.  While there were no other people requiring medical care, between 30 and 50 people have been evacuated.”

An Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre has been opened at the Columbia Valley Centre in Invermere and alternate accommodations are being arranged for the night. “Our firefighters were able to access the impacted units to retrieve essential personal items such as medications for all those who were evacuated,” added Sinclair.

In total, five firefighters and two pieces of apparatus responded to the scene on Riverview Road.

While the utilities have been isolated and the impacted propane line shut down, the cause of the leak remains under investigation.

Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service photo

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