Crews from the St. John's Regional Fire Department ( SJRFD ) and the St. John's International Airport Fire Department are currently on the scene of a carbon monoxide leak at the airport's Air Traffic Control Centre (NAV Canada Airport Operations Building)
Carbon Monoxide detector alarms signalled the leak and were still sounding upon arrival of The Telegram Wednesday morning.
The facility has been evacuated and firefighters are currently ventilating the tower with exhaust fans.
SJRFD crews wearing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus are entering and exiting the building with various pieces of equipment.
"NAV Canada services were moved to its alternate location on Airport property within 15 minutes of evacuation, where it resumed its air traffic control operations," a statement from the aiport authority said. "The Airport Authority is continuing to work with NAV Canada to safely return to full operations. At this time, flight operations have not been disrupted as a result of this incident. However, flight delays may occur prior to NAV Canada returning to its primary Air Traffic Control Tower."
SJRFD Platoon Chief Brian Tucker in speaking with reporters said "the levels have now gone down by 50 per cent."
"Right now we're in the process of ventilating the building to get the carbon monoxide down readings down on each level," Tucker told The Telegram. "And so we're systematically opening the doors to let fresh air into the building to reduce the readings."
He said there were no injuries to anyone on site.
Just before noon, carbon monoxide levels had lowered to the point where people were being allowed back into the building.
