Fire Service issues warning after charred timber found to have emitted carbon monoxide

Clare County Fire and Rescue Service is urging householders to be aware of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide (CO) build-up in the home.

The awareness message has been issued following an incident attended by the Fire Service on Friday night at which elevated levels of carbon monoxide were discovered in a family home in Ennis.

Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer said: "We received a call from a concerned homeowner after their carbon monoxide alarm was activated.

"Upon arrival, we found that the occupants had, correctly, opened doors and windows to ventilate the room in question, however while the stove was relatively cold, there was still a distinct smell of burning.

"Firefighters, using a thermal imaging camera, carried out a detailed inspection of the area and located charred timber batten supports adjacent to the flue of the stove in the rear of the fireplace."

The firefighter extinguished the charring and checked the rest of the house which was deemed to be safe.

Mr Kelly said: "Such a situation resulted in elevated levels of carbon monoxide within the home and the outcome could have been much more serious if the homeowner in question had not installed a carbon monoxide alarm."

He explained that carbon monoxide is one of the leading causes of poisoning deaths in the world.

He said: "The potentially deadly gas can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors when fuel-burning devices are not properly vented, operated or maintained. Because it has no odour, colour or taste, carbon monoxide cannot be detected by our senses.

"Symptoms associated with exposure to carbon monoxide include a mild headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and drowsiness."

"Fortunately, simple measures can be taken to prevent carbon monoxide problems. One such action is the installation of a carbon monoxide alarm to detect potentially deadly conditions.

"Householders should also make sure that all fuel burning appliances and heating devices are properly fitted and maintained, with appropriate venting to the area surrounding the appliance, while knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is important."

For further Carbon Monoxide information and advice visit www.carbonmonoxide.ie.