After a death due to carbon monoxide poisoning in St. Boniface this week, the Manitoba Office of the Fire Commissioner (MOFC) reminds about the dangers of the odourless gas.

Upwards of 20 people complained feeling ill and one person was taken to hospital and later passed away, after a vent cover on a chimney at a St. Boniface business collapsed and caused a CO build-up, MOFC says in a release.

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas that can come from combustion any time fuel is burned by vehicles, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces.

Portage Fire Department deputy chief Dave Holmes says regular inspections on any fuel burning appliances, especially furnaces, helps prevent any problems from arising. It's also important to ensure chimneys are clean and clear, to allow for proper venting.

"We do recommend and advise fuel burning appliances are checked at least once a year, just to ensure they're working properly and burning clean," Holmes says.

Holmes adds, having working CO detectors close to sleeping areas, and near appliances that could produce the deadly gas, is of the utmost importance.

"Carbon monoxide is pretty much undetectable by us as human beings," he explains. "So detectors are our first warning, or alert, that there may be a problem in a home."

The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, chest pain and confusion -- similar to flu-like symptoms.

"If anybody does experience problems or symptoms that does make them think it's CO poisoning, get out of the home right away," Holmes says. "Call 911, and the fire department and Manitoba Hydro and Central Gas will respond to inspect to see if there is a problem."