Fox9: Dangerously High Carbon Monoxide Levels Send Minnesota Couple To Hospital

14th October 2025 by Incidents 0 Comments

Fox9 – 13th October 2025 – A Douglas County couple was hospitalized after “dangerously high levels” of carbon monoxide were found inside the home. Authorities believe the leak was caused by an out-of-compliance water heater and furnace.

Deputies noted the couple had recently started using their furnace for the season and were unaware of any issues.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday from a 47-year-old woman experiencing heart attack-like symptoms. While on the line with dispatchers, she reported that her 49-year-old husband began having a seizure. Dispatchers suspected the symptoms could be from carbon monoxide exposure, and told the couple to leave the house immediately as a precaution. Read More…

As part of the ongoing effort to prevent CO poisonings and deaths across the state, the Minnesota Fire Marshal’s Office has distributed 2,500 CO alarms to fire departments in eight cities identified as having populations at higher risk of CO poisoning. The cities include, Austin, Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Red Wing, Rochester, Virginia and Willmar.

The distribution coincides with a statewide CO awareness and education campaign designed to remind the public about the dangers of CO poisoning, especially as people start heating their homes in the colder months.

“Carbon monoxide gives no warning,” said State Fire Marshal Dan Krier. “The only way to know you’re being poisoned before it’s too late is with a CO alarm. It’s a small device but it could save the people you love most.” 

Carbon monoxide is found in some common household fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, clothes dryers, gas stoves and ovens, and fireplaces. State officials recommend installing CO alarms and maintaining appliances to reduce the risk of an undetected leak.

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas. In the United States alone, the CDC states that every year carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires leads to over 50,000 Americans going to the emergency room, with around 15,000 being hospitalized and as many as 500 deaths.

Generators, car engines, air conditioning systems, boilers, ovens and other equipment where combustion takes place can cause carbon monoxide exposure when used incorrectly and/or in the wrong environment, or if it is not properly maintained.

Please see our simple safety advice on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the very real dangers of carbon monoxide.

Or, click here and complete our short contact form if you or someone you know has suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and need advice on whether you may have grounds to claim compensation from those responsible.