Tests conducted by the Salmon Arm Fire Department, Fortis BC and the City of Salmon Arm show no raised levels of carbon dioxide or methane gas. (Martha Wickett/Salmon Arm Observer)

Tests conducted by the Salmon Arm Fire Department, Fortis BC and the City of Salmon Arm show no raised levels of carbon dioxide or methane gas. (Martha Wickett/Salmon Arm Observer)

Carbon monoxide alarms at Salmon Arm RBC prompt evacuations

Testing shows no signs of raised levels of carbon monoxide or methane gas

  • Jan. 5, 2020 12:00 a.m.

The cause of two alarms leading to emergency evacuations of a downtown Salmon Arm bank remains a mystery.

Carbon monoxide detectors at RBC Royal Bank went off twice last week. Testing performed by the Salmon Arm Fire Department, Fortis BC and the City of Salmon Arm found no raised levels of carbon monoxide or methane gas.

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The first evacuation occurred on Thursday, Jan. 2, when Salmon Arm firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at the bank. After approximately 15 RBC staff were evacuated, an ambulance was called as a precaution after a few staff reported feeling dizzy.

The following morning, Jan. 3, the bank had its HVAC systems checked and the building passed inspection. Despite this, fire crews and BC Ambulance services responded to another carbon monoxide alarm later the same day. Six people were taken to hospital, but BC Ambulance reported that patients did not suffer carbon monoxide poisoning and were released soon after being admitted.

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Salmon Arm Fire Chief Brad Shirley described the situation as “a bit of a mystery.”

RBC has not provided comment on the situation.


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Salmon Arm Observer