(JOHN MCDONALD / iNFOnews.ca)

West Kelowna Fire Rescue crews were called to a 42-unit apartment building on Brown Road this morning after very high levels of carbon monoxide were detected.

Crews from Westbank and Lakeview Heights stations arrived and confirmed the report from Fortis today, Nov. 29, of very high levels of CO throughout the building, on all floors.

"They deemed it a serious emergency and an immediate evacuation of the building was initiated," fire chief Jason Brolund said, in a press release.

"Over 50 residents were moved to the apartment's clubhouse building where they were kept warm and evaluated by paramedics from the BC Ambulance Service for further effects of CO poisoning. Fire crews verified units in the building to ensure all residents were safe and accounted for."

There were no injuries and all residents are safe.

"Fire crews assisted with isolating a heating unit in the building that was suspected to be the source of the CO gas," he said.

"The building was then ventilated and all residents were allowed to return to their homes about 90 minutes later, once levels had returned to normal."

Carbon Monoxide kills people and pets, it often called “the invisible killer”.

It is a gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. It is produced by the burning of fossil fuels in cars, generators, heaters, dryers, furnaces or other appliances. Headache and nausea are symptoms of CO poisoning.

All homes should be equipped with at least one CO detector (or combination smoke/CO detector). If you hear a CO alarm or experience symptoms of CO poisoning, leave the premises to fresh air and call 9-1-1 immediately.

With the onset of winter, we urge the public to learn about Carbon monoxide safety and ensure that they and their families are protected.

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