The Woodstock Fire Department is warning residents of Woodstock, Ont., to clear snow and ice away from outside furnace and water‑heater vents to prevent carbon monoxide from building up inside. In an advisory issued Jan. 28, 2026, the department said many side‑wall vents, which sit low to the ground, can become covered by heavy snowfall and drifting after the major winter storm of Jan. 25–26, 2026.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that cannot be seen, smelled or tasted and can be lethal if it accumulates indoors. The fire department advised homeowners to clear about three feet (roughly 1 metre) around all outside vents so exhaust can escape safely.
The warning comes as changes to the Ontario Fire Code that took effect Jan. 1, 2026 require additional carbon monoxide alarms in homes that have fuel‑burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages; the updated rules generally require CO alarms on every storey of affected homes. Many municipalities and fire services are emphasizing that a functioning CO alarm is the only reliable way to detect the gas.
The Woodstock Fire Department urged residents to test their alarms, clear vents and outdoor intakes of snow and ice, and have fuel‑burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician if they have concerns.
