Why was the Emerald Hotel & Suites evacuated in Calgary?

The Emerald Hotel & Suites was evacuated because firefighters detected high levels of carbon monoxide throughout the building.

What are the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure?

Carbon monoxide exposure can lead to flu-like symptoms, confusion, fatigue, loss of consciousness, and can be fatal after a few hours of exposure at high levels.

How does cold weather affect carbon monoxide levels?

Cold weather can act like a lid, trapping gases and causing carbon monoxide levels to build up more quickly in homes.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Hotel Evacuated: Deadly Gas Levels Found

Hotel Evacuated: Deadly Gas Levels Found

20 Feb

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Summary

Approximately 120 people evacuated from a Calgary hotel due to high CO levels.
Two individuals were hospitalized after feeling unwell from carbon monoxide exposure.
Cold weather can trap gases, increasing CO buildup in homes, fire officials warn.

Hotel Evacuated: Deadly Gas Levels Found

In Calgary, approximately 120 people were evacuated from the Emerald Hotel & Suites on Thursday afternoon. Firefighters responded to the hotel near Barlow Trail and 27th Avenue N.E. after two individuals reported feeling unwell in the basement. Upon arrival, crews detected 300 ppm of carbon monoxide in the basement, leading to the evacuation and hospitalization of the two affected individuals.

Further detection of carbon monoxide throughout the hotel prompted a complete evacuation of the building. The Calgary Fire Department, with support from ATCO Gas, was working to identify the source of the gas. Officials noted that levels above 50 ppm necessitate evacuation, with exposure above 400-500 ppm posing severe risks.