No fire code change on CO detectors forthcoming

Jan 22, 2016 | 10:56 AM

KAMLOOPS — It doesn’t appear mandatory carbon monoxide detectors are coming to the BC fire code any time soon.

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake says the devices are already mandatory in newly built homes, but not for homes built before 2006.

Lake says he thinks that would be difficult to roll out.

“Enforcing mandatory carbon monoxide detectors in older homes would be extremely difficult to do. That’s why it is all about educating people and really pushing that message out,” said Lake, adding “Since 2006 the B.C. building code made it mandatory in homes with a garage, or a gas fireplace or any other combustible appliance in the home.”

Kamloops Fire Rescue is calling for the fire code change, saying it’s already happened in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Yukon.

It comes after a local family was saved by their 15-month old child last week, whose crying alerted them to the fact that their furnace was leaking carbon monoxide.