Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odourless, and potentially deadly gas, often called the silent killer. With many homes in the Ottawa Valley using furnaces, wood stoves, propane appliances, and attached garages, the risk of accidental CO exposure is higher than most people realize.
To help keep Ontarians safe, new Ontario Fire Code requirements take effect on January 1, 2026, expanding where carbon monoxide alarms must be installed in homes and residential buildings.
This post breaks down what CO is, why it’s dangerous, what’s changing in the legislation, and what you can do today to stay safe and compliant.
Why Carbon Monoxide Is So Dangerous ⚠️
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels like propane, natural gas, wood, oil, and gasoline burn incompletely. Because CO has no smell, colour, or taste, dangerous levels can build up indoors without anyone noticing.
Common household sources include:
- Furnaces & water heaters
- Fireplaces & wood stoves
- Gas stoves or ovens
- Dryers
- BBQs
- Portable generators
- Vehicles or equipment running in attached garages
Most homes in our region have four to six CO-producing appliances, especially in rural and semi-rural properties.
Why CO Exposure Is So Dangerous
- CO prevents your blood from carrying oxygen.
- Symptoms begin subtly: headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness.
- Higher levels cause confusion, loss of consciousness, heart attack, brain injury, or death.
Ottawa Fire Services’ Nick DeFazio puts it simply:
“It’s two easy steps: go to fresh air and call 9-1-1.”
Big Changes Coming: New Ontario Fire Code Requirements (January 1, 2026)
Starting on January 1, 2026, carbon monoxide alarm rules will become stricter across Ontario.
CO alarms will now be required on every storey of any home or residential building that contains:
- A fuel-burning appliance (furnace, fireplace, gas stove, water heater, etc.)
- An attached garage
- A fireplace
- NEW: Heated air supplied by a fuel-burning appliance located outside the building
(for example, an outdoor utility shed furnace supplying heated air into the home)
Previously, CO alarms were only required near sleeping areas. The new rules recognize how modern HVAC and mechanical setups can move CO throughout a home.
Additional Requirements for Residential Buildings
- Alarms may be hardwired, battery-operated, or plug-in, as long as they meet Fire Code standards.
- Residential suites, care occupancies, and retirement homes have updated alarm placement rules to increase protection.
Why These Updates Matter
The updated Fire Code aims to:
- Save lives
- Address evolving home heating layouts
- Increase early detection
- Reduce the number of CO-related medical emergencies and fatalities
If you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager in the Ottawa Valley, these changes apply to you.
How to Protect Your Home & Family 🏠
1. Install CO Alarms Correctly
Make sure you have alarms:
- On every storey of your home (required as of 2026)
- In or beside sleeping areas
- Near, but not directly next to, fuel-burning appliances
Test alarms monthly and replace them according to manufacturer guidelines (most last 5 to 10 years).
2. Maintain Fuel-Burning Appliances
- Book annual inspections for furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters, and wood-burning appliances.
- Make sure all vents are clear of snow, nests, or debris, especially during Ottawa Valley winters.
3. Use Appliances & Vehicles Safely
- Never run a vehicle, generator, or power tool in an attached garage, even with the door open.
- Never use a BBQ, propane heater, or gas oven to heat your home.
4. Know What To Do in an Emergency
If your CO alarm sounds:
- Get everyone to fresh air immediately.
- Call 9-1-1.
- Do not re-enter the building until cleared by fire services.
Landlords vs. Tenants: Who’s Responsible? 🧑⚖️
Landlords MUST:
- Install and maintain CO alarms according to the Ontario Fire Code
- Replace alarms at end-of-life
- Provide tenants with operating instructions
Tenants MUST:
- Not remove or disable alarms
- Report missing, damaged, or malfunctioning alarms
- Use appliances responsibly and safely
Tampering with CO alarms is illegal and can carry fines.
Don’t Wait Until the Deadline, Prepare Now⏳
January 1, 2026 will arrive quickly, and the new CO alarm requirements will be enforced across Ontario. Whether you’re in Renfrew County, Pembroke, Arnprior, Petawawa, or anywhere else in the Ottawa Valley, now is the perfect time to:
✔ Upgrade or add CO alarms
✔ Review your home’s heating setup
✔ Educate tenants or family members
✔ Book annual maintenance for fuel-burning appliances
Strong CO protection saves lives, and helps ensure you’re compliant before the deadline! 😁
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the updates, 13 First Aid is here to help! Send us an email or register for an upcoming first aid course so you are in the know to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
For further resources:
- CO Safety: cosafety.ca
- Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association: omfpoa.com
Stay Safe!
