Check fireplaces as cool weather sets in on city

QUEENSLAND Fire and Emergency Services has hit out at reckless actions of residents moving fire pits without suitable ventilation indoors in the cooler weather.

QFES Inspector Peter Bradow said an instance earlier this week in which a Darling Heights family narrowly avoided deadly carbon monoxide poisoning highlighted the dangers of unsuitable fireplaces.

When firefighters were called to the Darling Heights home about 12.40am on Monday, Insp Bradow said the atmospheric readings were well above the safe level.

“The occupants were overcome by carbon monoxide levels,” he said.

Two children were taken to Toowoomba Hospital and are understood to have since made a full recovery.

But Insp. Bradow warned the situation could have been far worse.

He said a fire brazier with burning barbecue coals had been taken inside the home with closed windows for warmth.

“In doing that, it reduced the oxygen levels in the atmosphere,” he said.

“The by-product of burning anything is carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide along with a range of other things depending on what is in the product.

“In this case, the carbon monoxide levels which the crews measured were way above exposure standards which in the standard workplace is 30 parts per million.

“Once you exceed that, the instruments start screaming.

“The fire officers entered the building with breathing apparatus and gas detection equipment where the instruments went off due to the exposure standards.”

The home was ventilated and readings returned to safe levels, but Insp. Bradow said it served as a reminder for all residents as the cooler weather set in.

“This is the first time where crews have come across a brazier inside used for heating,” he said.

“Crews have experienced other situations for cooking purposes which also present a problem, to not only the occupants and visitors but fire crews by using LPG gas cylinders and gas burners inside premises which can, if accidentally turned on, introduce gas into the premises.

“Then it can require something as simple as an ignition source. Crews have come across this on several occasions in premises where these devices don’t have safety systems in place.”

All heating systems with an open flame should be flued and able to be suitable ventilated.

All gas lines should be checked and maintained for fraying and safe connections.

“If in doubt, contact a local gas fitter or the gas authorities, and don’t use it until it has been checked,” Insp. Bradow said.