Extreme cold, fire and carbon monoxide safety

For immediate release: January 23, 2026 - 11:00 am
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With extreme cold temperatures expected this weekend, the Saskatoon Fire Department (SFD) is reminding residents to take extra care, as cold snaps often lead to an increase in fires and carbon monoxide incidents.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane or oil burn incompletely. High levels of CO can cause illness, brain damage or death before people even know it is there.

“When it’s cold, we want to stay inside and keep warm," says Fire Marshal Ryan Bradley. “But that’s also when our heating systems work the hardest. Furnaces run more often, and frost or ice can quickly build-up around chimneys, fresh‑air intakes and exhaust vents. If these areas become blocked, dangerous gases like CO can back up into the home. Taking a few minutes to check that your vents and chimneys are clear can make a big difference and could prevent a serious tragedy.”

The SFD would like to remind residents to follow these winter safety tips:

  1. Keep exit points clear
    1. Keep all doors and bedroom windows accessible and free of snow and other obstructions. They should be easy to open in case of an emergency.
    2. Regularly review your fire escape plan and test all exits to make sure they operate properly.
  2. Clear snow and ice buildup
    1. Check your roof for snow buildup. Melting snow that freezes can form ice dams, blocking drainage and causing water to seep under shingles, leading to leaks and water damage.
    2. Keep intake and exhaust vents for furnaces and heating appliances free of ice and snow accumulations to reduce the risk of CO build-up.
    3. When shoveling snow, clear fire hydrants of ice and snow so firefighters can quickly find and use them in an emergency.
  3. Inspect appliances and service heating equipment
    1. Regularly inspect the pipes and valves on fuel-burning appliances like water heaters, furnaces and gas stoves. Look for signs of wear, rust or leaks.
    2. Have your furnace, fireplace, water heater and other fuel-burning appliances cleaned and inspected by a professional to make sure they are working properly and don’t emit CO.
  4. Use electricity wisely
    1. Avoid overloading extension cords and power strips, as this can cause overheating and fires.
    2. Use cords rated for the device’s power needs and never use damaged or frayed cords.
  5. Test and maintain alarms
    1. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
    2. Place CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas, and test them every three months. Replace units every seven years or sooner if required.
  6. Stay warm safely
    1. During extreme cold, limit time outdoors and stay inside when possible.
    2. Keep space heaters at least one metre away from anything that can burn, plug them directly into a wall outlet and turn them off before leaving a room or going to sleep.
    3. Never use ovens, stoves, barbecues or fuel‑burning heaters indoors to stay warm, as they can create dangerous levels of CO.

Symptoms of CO poisoning

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Burning eyes
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness

CO warning signs in the home

  • The air in your house is stuffy.
  • There is excessive moisture on windows and walls.
  • There is a buildup of soot around appliances and vents.
  • There is a yellow flame in a natural gas appliance instead of a blue one.
  • Your pilot light keeps going out.
  • More than one person of your household is feeling ill.
  • Occupants feel ill at home and better when they are away from the house for a while.

Cold weather warm-up locations

Individuals and families can warm up at various locations across Saskatoon. To view the list of locations, download the Warm-up Locations Poster.

By taking these proactive measures, you can help protect yourself, your family and your neighbours. If you see someone in distress, call 911, or call 306‑975‑3030 for non‑emergency assistance.

For more information about CO safety, visit saskatoon.ca/carbonmonoxide.

For more information about the Saskatoon Winter Emergency Response, visit saskatoon.ca/cold.