Firefighters are warning the public not to use outdoor barbecues as indoor heaters this winter, following an emergency that almost claimed the lives of a family this morning at Wentworthville, in Sydney’s west.
A family of five was overcome by Carbon Monoxide fumes in their Wentworth Avenue unit around 4.15 am. They had brought a charcoal BBQ in from their balcony in a bid to stay warm. Instead, the build-up of poisonous fumes rendered three of the residents unconscious.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews respond to CO emergency
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews, from Wentworthville and Seven Hills, were quickly on scene, moved the family to the balcony and began medical treatment.
NSW Ambulance paramedics transported three adults and a child to hospital for further treatment.
Carbon Monoxide or CO gas
Carbon Monoxide or CO is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that can overwhelm and cause death
Carbon Monoxide or CO is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that can overwhelm and cause death, without the casualties being aware of its impacts.
The firefighters in attendance say the CO levels inside the unit were more than four times the dangerous limit. They ventilated the apartment and checked gas levels throughout the block of units.
Don’t use outdoor heaters or cookers inside homes
The incident comes as FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, continues to warn the public not to use outdoor heaters or cookers inside this winter.
“There’s nowhere for the poisonous fumes to go if they build up indoors,” said Commissioner Fewtrell, adding, “Using charcoal bead cookers, BBQ’s and outdoor heaters inside creates an extreme risk to you and your family.”
Avoid using alternative heating sources
FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell continues, “We understand that as the weather is particularly cold at the moment, families may be tempted to use alternative heating sources, but these types of items will risk the lives of you and your family rather than making you warm and comfortable in your homes.”
He adds, “We’ll continue to work with all of our communities to spread the awareness about these dangers.”
Safety advice for residents
Fire crews are returning to the unit block to provide safety advice to neighbors in the wake of the incident.
