News

Tragedy avoided as family tries to keep warm

A TRAGEDY was narrowly avoided when six people were poisoned by a charcoal cooker used inside a Merrylands granny flat to keep a family warm.

Firefighters rushed to the home on Tuesday about 4.45am where they found two children and four adults suffering the effects of carbon monoxide poisoing.
Luckily one of the occupants woke up feeling ill and roused the rest of the household from its sleep.
It has prompted a warning from Fire and Rescue NSW to not to bring outdoor cookers and heaters indoors.
Outdoor cookers and heaters, particularly those with charcoal beads, give off poisonous Carbon Monoxide gas and should never be used inside homes. CO is a colourless and odourless gas that can build up in rooms and overwhelm people without warning.
FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said, “Whilst we understand the family and their guests were trying to stay warm during winter and thought bringing the makeshift heating device inside was a good idea, it unwittingly put lives at risk.”
“In this case, tragedy was narrowly avoided.
“Never bring outdoor heaters or cookers inside and never rely on charcoal beads for heating in confined spaces.”
Families can contact their local FRNSW station and book a Winter Home Safety visit for further advice.
Firefighters can visit your home and provide you with crucial safety information such as avoiding the use of outdoor cookers and heaters inside your home.
This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using the Get Ready for Winter checklist.