Crews respond to surge in carbon monoxide calls

"Assistant Commissioner Pamela Oparaocha urged people to be "mindful of safety" when heating their homes in the colder months, especially when burning fuel unsuited for domestic use. She said: "Some alternative heating methods, while well-intentioned, can carry serious risks. "For instance, burning treated wood might seem like a cost-saving option, but it can release toxic fumes and is more likely to spit embers, which could ignite nearby materials." Carbon monoxide fumes are highly poisonous fumes that are produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels."

"Ms Oparaocha said: "As we enter some of the coldest months of the year, it's natural to want to heat homes in a cost-effective way, but keeping warm must be done in a safe way. Last week, firefighters found raised levels of carbon monoxide at a food court on Kensington High Street in west London. The building was evacuated and ventilated before being declared safe.""

"Last week, firefighters found raised levels of carbon monoxide at a food court on Kensington High Street in west London. The building was evacuated and ventilated before being declared safe. The LFB advises installing carbon monoxide alarms in all rooms with fuel-burning appliances and ensuring they can be heard while people are asleep. More advice on safe heating and financial support with energy bills is available from local authorities and Citizens Advice."

Call-outs to the London Fire Brigade for carbon monoxide incidents have surged, with 1,714 emergency calls between August 2024 and July 2025 and 7,764 incidents recorded over six years. Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless and highly poisonous, produced by incomplete burning of fossil fuels. Rising energy costs are linked to increased use of unsafe heating methods and delayed appliance servicing. Burning treated wood can emit toxic fumes and spit embers, raising both poisoning and fire risks. Firefighters recently found elevated carbon monoxide at a Kensington food court, prompting evacuation and ventilation. The LFB recommends installing audible carbon monoxide alarms and seeking available financial support.

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