In what RCMP suspect is a case of carbon monoxide poisoning, two men were found deceased in an ice fishing tent Saturday afternoon ( February 15th ).
Just after 4 pm Saturday, Boyle RCMP with the assistance of Lac La Biche Fire/EMS, and Fort McMurray Fish and Wildlife, responded to a remote area located in Crow Lake Provincial Park, following a report being made that two individuals were found deceased inside of an ice fishing tent.
Boyle RCMP are still investigating the deaths of two individuals, a 45-year-old male resident of Fort McMurray, Alta. and a 37-year year old male resident of Labrador City, N.L.. Names have not been released until family can be notified and the authorities can complete their investigation into the matter. Preliminary indication suggests that the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, likely from heating source used inside the tent.
An autopsy has been scheduled as the investigation continues.
Experts Warn About Using Combustion Heaters in Ice Fishing Tents
Although many heaters made for backwoods camping and heating tents are combustion based – it is vital that a source of fresh air is present in the space. This can be counter productive to trying to heat the tent, particularly if there is a strong wind and you try to get away with making the air vent as small as possible to keep heat in. Another suggestion is to use a carbon monoxide detection device which can be bought on Amazon for around $50 cdn and will sound the alarm if carbon monoxide levels get to high in heating space. Here is the search results to their listings for portable carbon monoxide detectors for camping
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in an ice fishing tent can happen within minutes to hours, depending on factors like ventilation, heater type, and exposure levels. Here’s how quickly it can become dangerous:
CO Exposure & Time to Symptoms
| CO Level (PPM) | Symptoms Begin | Serious Risk Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ppm | Mild headache after 6–8 hours | OSHA limit for workplace exposure |
| 200 ppm | Headache, dizziness within 2–3 hours | Life-threatening in 8+ hours |
| 400 ppm | Nausea, confusion in 1–2 hours | Fatal within 3–5 hours |
| 800 ppm | Unconsciousness in 30–60 minutes | Death within 2–3 hours |
| 1600 ppm | Unconscious in 15–30 minutes | Death within 1 hour |
| 3200 ppm | Unconscious in 5–10 minutes | Death within 30 minutes |
Factors That Increase CO Risk in an Ice Fishing Tent
- Using Unvented Heaters – Propane, kerosene, and charcoal heaters produce CO.
- Poor Ventilation – If the tent is fully closed, CO accumulates quickly.
- Long Exposure Time – Even low levels can be deadly over several hours.
- Altitude – At higher elevations, CO effects are more severe due to lower oxygen levels.
How to Stay Safe
- Use only vented heaters designed for indoor/tent use.
- Keep vents or a window partially open to allow airflow.
- Use a battery-powered CO detector inside the tent.
- Never sleep with a heater running in an enclosed tent.
If someone experiences headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or weakness, leave the tent immediately and get fresh air—CO poisoning can turn deadly fast.
