A coroner's inquest will be held into the deaths of the five Porter Creek residents who died from carbon monoxide poisoning last January, the chief coroner announced today.

"I looked through the investigative file, the reports that I had, I looked at the legislation, I looked at, within the legislation, the terms for calling an inquest and I believe that it's advisable, so I'm going to direct one,” chief coroner Kirsten Macdonald told the Star.

A date for the inquest has not yet been set.

It will be presided over by a coroner and jury, and "will publicly hear evidence from subpoenaed witnesses in order to determine the facts surrounding the deaths,” said a news release.

The jury will be able to make recommendations aimed at preventing deaths from similar circumstances, it says.

Last Jan. 29, Bradley, Valerie, Gabriel and Rebekah Rusk and their friend, Donald McNamee, were found dead by a friend in their rented Centennial Street home as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Star has previously reported that high levels of carboxy hemoglobin were found in the systems of Valerie and her two children, Gabriel and Rebekah.

Lab tests did not differ significantly for McNamee nor Bradley Rusk.

Carboxy hemoglobin is a mix of carbon monoxide and hemoglobin in the blood stream, high levels of which prevent oxygen from being carried through the body.

Levels at 40 per cent are considered severe poisoning, while 60 per cent is likely fatal.

Valerie's levels were determined to fall close to 80 per cent, while her children had levels in the 90s.

All five had complained of feeling unwell and had taken time off work and school before their deaths.

Investigations into the deaths focused on the oil-fired boiler system and chimney.

There have been multiple reports since 2007 warning the Yukon government about dangerous oil-fired burners in the territory.

The opposition New Democrats called multiple times for improved safety regulations regarding oil-fired appliances.

The government formed another working group during the most recent legislative sitting to investigate the state of oil-fired appliance and tank safety in the Yukon. A committee had previously been formed in 2008.

The NDP questioned the need for another committee to investigate the safety issues, arguing the information is already available.

During question period last March 21, NDP MLA Lois Moorcroft asked, "What assurance can the government give us that this new committee is not just a rehash of the old and that its formation will lead to real, bold improvements for public safety?”

Scott Kent, the minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corp., replied, "What we have committed to today is to form this working group, have representatives, not only of government departments – Community Services, Education – but also community stakeholders, First Nations and industry.

We want to make sure that the action plan they develop is something that is made right here in the Yukon, that has Yukon solutions and will work for Yukoners regardless of where they live, whether it be in Whitehorse or outside of Whitehorse in rural communities.”