Oakville Fire reminds residents of new carbon monoxide alarm requirements

The Oakville Fire Department is reminding residents that, effective January 1, 2026, updates to the Ontario Fire Code will require homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages to have carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed adjacent to sleeping areas and on every storey of the home, including storeys without sleeping areas.

Under current requirements, affected homes must have a CO alarm installed adjacent to sleeping areas. As of January 1, 2026, this requirement expands to include installation on every storey of the home. In multi-unit residential buildings, CO alarms are also required in public corridors where those corridors are heated by air supplied from a fuel-burning appliance.

About carbon monoxide 

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless gas often referred to as “the silent killer.” It is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, gasoline, heating oil, or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, generators, and vehicles.

If your CO alarm sounds, you may experience symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or death. If this occurs, get everyone out of the home immediately and call 9-1-1.

Learn more about the changes to the Ontario Fire Code on the Province of Ontario’s website and be sure to follow Oakville Fire on social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram) for more carbon monoxide and fire safety and preventions tips.