Oregon warns of rising carbon monoxide risks as cold weather approaches

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- With 62% of Oregon's carbon monoxide emergencies occurring during fall and winter, state fire officials today urged residents to take precautions before colder temperatures arrive. The warning coincides with the start of November, which marks Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month.

In 2025, 83% of Oregon's more than 300 fire agencies reported responding to 417 carbon monoxide-related calls statewide. According to Oregon Health Authority data, carbon monoxide poisoning kills an average of 18 people and causes nearly 41 hospitalizations or emergency room visits in Oregon each year.

The hazard increases during colder months when residents turn on furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, wood, kerosene or gasoline burn incompletely. Uninspected heating equipment can leak dangerous concentrations of the gas into living spaces, while running vehicles in attached garages or operating portable generators near open doors and windows traps toxic exhaust inside.

Nationally, toxic carbon monoxide leads to more than 100,000 emergency room visits and 1,200 deaths each year. Poisoning is difficult to detect because early symptoms closely resemble the flu without a fever, including headaches, dizziness, physical weakness, nausea, chest pain and mental confusion. Exposure directly impairs cognitive function, often preventing individuals from recognizing the danger before they can self-rescue.

State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple emphasized the importance of early inspection as households begin using fuel-burning appliances. “Carbon monoxide gives no warning; you cannot see it, smell it, or taste it,” Ruiz-Temple said. “As we enter peak heating season, taking a few minutes to inspect fuel-burning appliances and test your carbon monoxide alarms can mean the difference between life and death.”

Oregon law requires carbon monoxide alarms on every level with bedrooms in homes that are sold or rented, installed within 15 feet of bedroom doors. Fire officials advise testing alarms monthly, replacing batteries as directed and replacing alarm units every 10 years. Portable generators should always be operated outdoors at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and building vents and heating equipment should receive annual professional inspections.