BISMARCK, ND – The Bismarck Fire Department responded to a Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm at a strip mall on the north end of Bismarck this afternoon.
At approximately 11:28 AM on June 13, 2025, the Bismarck Fire Department responded to a CO alarm at a suite in the strip mall located on the 800 block of 43rd Ave NE. Firefighters arrived on the scene at 11:34 AM to investigate. Using metering equipment, they identified varying levels of CO throughout the mall, peaking in a suite on the south end. As a precaution, evacuation procedures were initiated.
The source of the carbon monoxide was traced to a fuel-powered generator being used for construction purposes. The generator had been operating outside the building with a partially open door, allowing CO to seep into the mall. Fire crews conducted a ventilation operation to clear the gas, ensuring the safety of the building's occupants. No medical attention was requested during the incident.
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas, undetectable by smell or color, capable of causing serious health problems ranging from headaches and nausea to unconsciousness and even death at higher concentrations. Early detection through CO detectors played a crucial role in this incident, prompting a timely evacuation and swift action from the fire department. The Bismarck Fire Department urges all residents to install and maintain CO detectors in their homes and workplaces to prevent such incidents.
For more information, contact the Bismarck Fire Department at 701-355-1400.