Rangers Respond to Carbon Monoxide Incident on Houseboat – Lake Powell, AZ

Lake Powell, Arizona –
News Release: July 17, 2024.
Rangers Respond to Carbon Monoxide Incident on Houseboat in Face Canyon
On July 17, 2024, at approximately 12:45 a.m., the National Park Service (NPS) Glen Canyon Regional Communications Center received a call from Kane County Dispatch of a possible carbon monoxide poisoning incident on a privately owned vessel in Face Canyon. Face Canyon is located near buoy 24 on Lake Powell within Glen Canyon National Recreation area and encompasses both the state of Arizona and Utah. This incident happened on the Arizona side of the canyon within Coconino County.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Rangers responded immediately and provided medical support on scene. Initial reports were of 4 patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning onboard a houseboat. Upon arrival, a total of twenty-one patients were identified. Also assisting on scene were personnel from Classic Air Medical, who dispatched 3 medical helicopters and Intermountain Life Flight, who dispatched 2 medical helicopters. A total of 5 patients (3 adults and 2 juveniles) were flown to the St. George Regional Hospital for further treatment. The remaining sixteen patients were treated and released on scene.
The source of the carbon monoxide is currently under investigation by the National Park Service and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. This is the third carbon monoxide-related incident responded to by Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Rangers this month.
All boaters should be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and ensure on-board CO detectors are operable prior to embarking on your trip. Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that can cause death when inhaled. Symptoms of exposure can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion. A person who is sleeping can die from CO poisoning before recognizing symptoms. Boats can collect dangerous levels of CO anytime fuel-burning, engines or appliances are running. More safety information is available at go.nps.gov/GLCAsafe

Lives saved thanks to working alarms in NPS residence

Lives were saved earlier this week because of working smoke/ carbon monoxide detectors, a solid dispatcher who got help out quickly, and a robust fire/EMS response!
Fire & EMS at Grand Canyon National Park were dispatched to an NPS residence for a carbon monoxide alarm activation. Dispatch advised the residents to evacuate the home. Two firefighters entered the home while medics checked out the two adults and infant who lived there.
The entry team’s gas monitor immediately went into alarm for CO just a few feet inside the front door, and found levels between 50-60ppm. CO levels above 35ppm are considered immediately dangerous to life and health. Firefighters determined the source was the wood stove. They extinguished the fire in the stove and ventilated the home.
Within a few minutes CO levels were down to zero throughout the home and the wood stove will be inspected and the door gasket replaced.
This incident showcases the excellent work and dedication of our NPS first responders, and the importance of having working smoke/CO detectors!
More information about carbon monoxide detectors:

Building evacuated at Mesa hotel following hazardous CO leak

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Mesa, AZ
Multiple people treated for CO poisoning. No mention of installed CO detection.
“A hazmat team found readings of carbon monoxide on the second floor and the building was evacuated…Fire crews and hotel staff had not been able to find the source of the leak, but Barto said the issue was expected to be fixed within a week as the hotel changed the building’s pipelines.”
Building evacuated at Mesa hotel following hazardous material leak (azcentral.com)

NFPA Journal: General Negligence

“A new Fire Protection Research Foundation report highlights the nation’s enduring CO problem”

https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nfpa/journal_2021spring/index.php?startid=20#/p/20

CO Detection: What It Is and Why We Need It