Woman dies from carbon monoxide poisoning

A woman died and a man was seriously injured after they were overcome by carbon monoxide in their home, according to a joint press release from the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue.

The pair were found by family members after missing a doctor’s appointment earlier in the day.

Fire officials declined to disclose the names of the victims or their city of residence.

“Crews found CO levels over 280 ppm on the main level and 356 ppm in the basement. At these levels the two would have become disoriented and unable to evacuate in just a couple of hours,” said the news release. “Crews removed the two individuals from the home and began life saving measures.”

The woman could not be revived and the man was transported to Kootenai Health and was later flown to Seattle for treatment.

The cause of the carbon monoxide poisoning is being investigated by Avista.

“The CDA Fire Department and KCFR would like to remind anyone who uses a fuel fired heating appliance such as wood, propane and natural gas to ensure that they have working carbon monoxide detectors on each level of their home and outside of sleeping rooms,” said the news release. “Like smoke detectors, these CO detectors should be tested monthly, have their batteries changed twice a year and replaced entirely after 10 years of use.”