Stephen Horsman says N.B. will require carbon monoxide alarms

New Brunswick is looking at bringing in regulations that require all homes and businesses that burn carbon fuel to have a carbon monoxide alarms, said New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Stephen Horsman.

Horsman made the comment Tuesday as a fire prevention week campaign was launched in Woodstock, featuring former firefighter John Gignac of Woodstock, Ont., who lost four family members in 2008 due to carbon monoxide poisoning in his home.

Gignac said he's still haunted by the death of his niece Laurie Hawkins, who was a police officer, and other family members.

"I ask myself over and over again why I hadn't warned her about the dangers of carbon monoxide," said Gignac. "I'm a veteran firefighter. I should have known better.

"But you know what? I didn't, and they perished, and I felt that was my responsibility."

Gignac launched a crusade about carbon monoxide poisoning that resulted in the new regulations in Ontario.

"We will be looking at that and implementing it here in New Brunswick," said Horsman.

The Yukon has similar legislation.

Woodstock Fire Chief Ricky Nicholson said there was a close call just last week in the Carleton Country community.

"Very fortunate we got there in time to rescue the young lady," said Nicholson. "Her power had been disconnected, and she had a generator inside the home."

The office of the New Brunswick Fire Marshall will be distributing more than 2,500 smoke alarms and 1,000 carbon monoxide alarms in communities throughout the province.

Fire officials say carbon monoxide alarms should be installed outside all sleeping areas in any homes that burn wood, gas, oil or propane.