SALEM, Ore. — As colder temperatures arrive across Oregon, state fire officials are warning residents about the increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters and other fuel-burning appliances.
November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to check their heating equipment, test carbon monoxide alarms and take precautions to protect their families from the potentially deadly gas.
Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless, making it difficult to detect without a properly functioning alarm.
According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, 83% of the state’s more than 300 fire agencies reported responding to carbon monoxide-related calls in 2025. Those agencies reported a total of 417 incidents statewide.
The danger increases significantly during colder months. Approximately 26% of Oregon’s carbon monoxide-related incidents occur during the fall, while another 36% happen during winter.
Oregon Health Authority data show carbon monoxide poisoning kills an average of 18 people in Oregon each year and results in nearly 41 hospitalizations or emergency room visits annually.
“Carbon monoxide gives no warning; you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it,” State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. She encouraged residents to inspect fuel-burning appliances and test their carbon monoxide alarms as the heating season gets underway.
Heating Equipment and Generators Can Create Serious Risks
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, kerosene and gasoline do not burn completely.
During colder weather, several common household activities can increase the risk of exposure.
Uninspected furnaces, boilers, fireplaces and wood or pellet stoves can develop problems that allow carbon monoxide to enter living spaces.
Portable generators, charcoal grills and gasoline-powered tools also create dangerous exhaust. Fire officials warn that these devices should never be operated inside homes, garages or other enclosed spaces.
Generators should always be operated outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and building vents.
Another common danger involves warming up vehicles inside attached garages. Even with the garage door open, running a vehicle engine inside can allow carbon monoxide to build up and enter the home.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Can Resemble the Flu
Recognizing carbon monoxide poisoning can be difficult because its early symptoms often resemble the flu, but typically occur without a fever.
Warning signs include:
- Headaches, dizziness and physical weakness.
- Nausea, upset stomach or vomiting.
- Chest pain and mental confusion.
Officials warn that carbon monoxide exposure can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and make decisions. Someone experiencing poisoning may not recognize the danger or realize they need to get outside.
Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide exposure should immediately move outdoors into fresh air and call 911.
Fire Marshal Offers Safety Tips for Oregon Homes
The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends several steps to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Install carbon monoxide alarms: Oregon law requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes sold or rented, with alarms on each level containing bedrooms and within 15 feet of bedroom doors.
- Test alarms monthly: Use the test button regularly, replace removable batteries as directed and replace the entire alarm unit every 10 years or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Keep generators outdoors: Operate portable generators at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and building vents.
- Inspect heating equipment: Have furnaces, chimneys, fireplaces and other fuel-burning appliances inspected annually by qualified professionals.
With carbon monoxide incidents increasing during the colder months, fire officials say taking a few minutes to check alarms and heating equipment can help prevent a potentially deadly emergency.
Additional carbon monoxide safety information, educational materials and home safety resources are available through the Oregon State Fire Marshal at oregon.gov/osfm.
