Installation, Maintenance, and Repair of a Furnace All Factors in Fatal CO Exposure

Location: Castlegar

Regulated industry sector: Gas – Natural gas system

Incident overview

On February 24, 2025, a fatal carbon monoxide (CO) incident occurred in a Castlegar, BC home with a rental suite upstairs and an owner-occupied suite downstairs. The CO leak originated from an improperly repaired and separated vent pipe on a high-efficiency natural gas furnace, which allowed flue gases to enter and accumulate in the living space of the units. One upstairs tenant was found deceased, and the homeowner, living in the basement suite where the furnace was located, was hospitalized with severe CO poisoning. There were no CO alarms installed in the home.  

The investigation found that the furnace was likely improperly installed in 2007, and following installation, was not maintained regularly. Despite recommendations to repair or replace the furnace starting in 2021, no action was taken.