On Feb. 8 at approximately 9:20 p.m. the Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) members were called to carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that went off in a multi-family dwelling in the west-central area of the city. The occupants evacuated the apartment prior to firefighters’ arrival, which could have saved their lives.
“Once we opened that door and we were monitoring with gas detection equipment, we received an over 100 part per million spike reading of carbon monoxide in the suite,” said Fire Chief Dale Feser. “So crews immediately closed the door and put their respiratory protective gear on so that way they could be under air, entered the structure and received a peak reading of actually 145 parts per million in the home. This is an extremely dangerous level.”
SaskEnergy was also called out to the scene as well as EMS, which assessed the occupants to ensure that they didn’t suffer from the explosure to CO, which they didn’t. Firefighters ventilated the area so it would be safe for SaskPower specialists to enter and investigate the cause of the emergency. It was found to be a faulty furnace that has deposited CO inside the apartment.
“An excellent reminder that when these carbon monoxide alarms go off, please call 911. Don’t neglect the situation thinking it’s a faulty detection device, because you just never know. In this particular case, had the homeowner just ignored the alarm, just though it was a faulty detection device and unplugged it from the wall and gone to sleep, the story would have a very tragic outcome,” said Feser.
Earlier last week, on Feb. 4 at about 8:30 a.m., firefighters were called to a reported structure fire in the central area of the city. Upon arrival, crews found out that the call came from one of the suites in a fourplex that was vacant. There was no smoke or flame visible either from the outside or inside. Firefighters used thermal energy units as well as gas detection but didn’t pick up any signs of fire outbreak.
“Shortly after we made entry, the homeowner came back and explained that she thought she could smell smoke or smell of electrical,” said Feser.
Members spent substantial time investigating the area, and still, no fire was detected, so they turned the scene back to the homeowner.
On Feb. 7 at about 8:30 a.m., the EFRS members were called out to an accident, in which a vehicle hit a deer. No injuries or entrapments were reported. The accident occurred south of Estevan on Highway 47. When members arrived at the location, the vehicle was gone, but they could find debries and a dead deer.
“We want to remind the motoring public, if you do place a 911 call, please, make sure that you’re remaining present until the fire department or other emergency services arrive on scene to verify the situation,” said Feser.
Later that day, members also responded to a residential fire alarm. It appeared to be cooking related, and when crews arrived there was not enough smoke remaining to warrant any ventilation efforts on behalf of the fire department.
On Feb. 6, along with the Estevan Police Service and EMS, the EFRS made a presentation on the emergency services class that is now offered at the Estevan Comprehensive School. (For more on the class, please see this week’s edition of Southeast Lifestyles).
