Hardware stores report rush on carbon monoxide detectors after rash of poisonings

Carbon monoxide detectors have been flying off the shelves of Vancouver hardware stores after a rash of poisonings in the province.

Ed Wilkerson, owner of the Home Hardware on Commercial Drive, says staff were busy refilling shelves after customers scooped up most of the stock over the weekend.

"It was kind of a crunch situation," he said. "We probably had 30 or 40 in stock and they went out of there within threeor fourhours."

TheHome Depot and other hardware stores also reported a rush on CO monitors.

Thirteen people from a Vancouveroffice including two in critical conditionhad to be taken tohospital one week ago with carbon monoxide poisoning.

The following day, a family of five from Barriere, B.C., were airlifted to Vancouver Hospital after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning in their home.

Vancouver Fire Capt.JonathanGormick said he hoped that people who couldn't immediately find a detector to purchase kept trying.

"It's great to see these detectors finally flying off shelves and people motivated to go out and buy them," he said. It's too bad it's taken a near tragedy to make it happen."