Carbon Monoxide concern in the 2000 Block of Airport Drive

At 2:42 a.m., the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) received a call for a smell of natural gas.  One fire engine, one ladder truck and the Battalion Chief were dispatched.  First arriving fire crews identified a carbon monoxide issue and not a natural gas leak.  Readings were taken throughout the 7 storey hotel with variances of 10 - 61 ppm.  SaskEnergy was requested to attend. 

Fire crews investigated and identified the source of the carbon monoxide concern was one of the heating units on the roof.  Fire crews had the staff at the hotel shut down the defective rooftop unit.   Carbon monoxide levels began decreasing immediately.  Fire crews began ventilating the building with fans.  

Two hours into the incident, relief crews had to be sent as the fire trucks on scene were at risk of freezing up.  Temperatures at this time were -46 degrees.  Fire crews and their apparatus were relieved to avoid freezing from happening.  Ventilation efforts were never disrupted with this change out of apparatus and carbon monoxide continued to be removed from the building. 

SaskEnergy remained on scene assisting fire crews and assessing the heating equipment.  Just after 6 a.m., the readings for carbon monoxide were down to zero.  At 6:43 a.m., the fire crews left the scene in the control of SaskEnergy and returned to their stations.

No medical concerns or injuries were identified with any person(s) staying or working at the hotel.  Evacuation and/or relocation of occupants was not required.

An SFD Fire Inspector is attending this morning to follow up.