Householders are being urged to make themselves aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning following an incident in Clare last weekend.

The call came from the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service after it was called to a house in Ennis on Friday night.

"We received a call from a concerned homeowner after their carbon monoxide alarm was activated. Upon arrival, we found that the occupants had, correctly, opened doors and windows to ventilate the room in question, however while the stove was relatively cold, there was still a distinct smell of burning.

"Firefighters, using a thermal imaging camera, carried out a detailed inspection of the area and located charred timber batten supports adjacent to the flue of the stove in the rear of the fireplace. They then extinguished this charring and checked the remainder of the house to ensure that there was no further areas of concern," explained chief fire officer, Adrian Kelly.

He said that this situation had resulted in elevated levels of carbon monoxide within this house and if no carbon monoxide alarm had been present, ‘the outcome could have been much more serious'.

Mr Kelly emphasised that carbon monoxide is one of the leading causes of poisoning deaths worldwide.

"The potentially deadly gas can build up to dangerous concentrations indoors when fuel-burning devices are not properly vented, operated or maintained. Because it has no odour, colour or taste, carbon monoxide cannot be detected by our senses. Symptoms associated with exposure include a mild headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and drowsiness," he noted.

However, simple measures, such as installing a carbon monoxide alarm and ensuring that heating devices are properly fitted and maintained, can help to prevent such incidents.

For more information on keeping your home safe, click here