Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) are warning the public not to bring outdoor cookers and heaters indoors following a suspected carbon monoxide poisoning incident this morning in Merrylands.
Six people, two children and four adults, were taken to hospital for treatment around 4.45am after bringing a charcoal cooker inside a granny flat on their property in Myall Street, Merrylands.
Firefighters rushed to the home along with NSW Police and NSW Ambulance paramedics and ensured the area was safe.
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.
“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,” FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said
“In this case, tragedy was narrowly avoided.
“One of the occupants woke up feeling ill and roused the rest of the household from its sleep.
“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.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.