Couple hospitalized after using barbecue for heat at central Fresno home, officials say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Fresno couple is recovering after an overnight attempt to stay warm left them hospitalized with high carbon monoxide levels.

"It was identified that they're actually using a barbecue inside as a method of heat," Josh Sellers at Fresno Fire told Action News.

Sellers confirms it was charcoal in a Weber-style barbecue used inside a room.

Around midnight, the woman reported feeling ill and went to the hospital. Staff there then notified Fresno Fire, which responded and found the man asleep with the barbecue still on.

"Gas-powered equipment inside your home can produce carbon monoxide," Sellers said. "It's colorless, tasteless, odorless. You're not going to know it's there."

Residents at the home in central Fresno tell Action News the couple lived in their detached garage.

The woman, described as in her 60s, and the man, who officials say is elderly, used the barbecue to stay warm as temperatures dropped.

"Sometimes, utility bills are too expensive for them to be able to afford," Sellers said. "Sometimes they're heating when equipment is damaged, and it's just not operational, so they search for other means."

As cooler weather moves in, many are now turning to space heaters.

Chad at Fresno Ag showed Action News several models on Tuesday, pointing out critical safety features, like an automatic shutoff.

"They have tip-over, turn-off sensors on all of them now, or mostly all of them, and that will be clearly on the box," Chad said.

Sellers says consumers should also look for silver safety labels and remember to keep children and pets away.

"Make sure that we're using them in an area, keeping them three feet away from anything that can catch fire. Make sure that you're using them on a flat, level surface," Sellers said.

Firefighters also say the overnight scare is an important reminder to check the batteries in your smoke and CO alarms, even if they are hardwired.

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