Gig Harbor man and woman in critical condition after carbon monoxide leak in their home
Sep 9, 2026, 9:10 AM | Updated: 9:23 am
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
A man and woman are in critical condition following a carbon monoxide leak at their Gig Harbor home.
The pair and their dog were found inside their home over the weekend.
Gig Harbor Fire and Rescue were able to provide life-saving measures and bring them both to a nearby hospital.
It’s unclear how long they were exposed to carbon monoxide before first responders arrived.
The dog was treated and is stable.
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
“As our weather becomes cooler and heating devices begin to be used, this is a good time to make sure your carbon monoxide sensors and alarms are working properly. If you don’t have one, consider getting one,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office wrote.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. It comes from burning fuels, including gasoline, wood, propane, or charcoal. Appliances and engines that aren’t well vented can cause the carbon monoxide to build up to dangerous levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic:
Carbon monoxide poisoning affects the brain and heart the most. Exposure over time might lead to symptoms that can be mistaken for those of the flu without the fever. Clearer symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include:
- Headache
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Sleepiness
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms related to the nervous system and brain can come on after recovery from carbon monoxide poisoning. The risk of these is higher in older people and people who lost consciousness from breathing carbon monoxide. Symptoms might include:
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Movement problems
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be especially dangerous for people who are asleep or have used illicit drugs, alcohol or medicines that make them very sleepy. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain damage or death before anyone realizes there’s a problem.
