The LFB believes that the increased cost of living has contributed to the rise in incidents
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has reported a dramatic rise in carbon monoxide incidents across the city, with a new analysis revealing that call-outs have more than doubled in the last five years. The Brigade has linked the sharp increase to the cost of living crisis, suspecting that financial pressures are leading Londoners to neglect maintenance and turn to unsafe heating methods.
According to LFB data, firefighters responded to 1,714 carbon monoxide incidents between August 2024 and July 2025, compared with 821 during the same period five years earlier—a 108 per cent increase. A total of 7,764 incidents, where carbon monoxide was either suspected or confirmed, have been recorded since August 2019.
Dangerous Trend
The Brigade has issued a new safety warning to coincide with Gas Safety Week, highlighting how quickly such incidents can escalate.3 In September 2025, firefighters were called to a food court on Kensington High Street where they recorded dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide, requiring the building to be evacuated and ventilated before it could be declared safe.
The LFB believes that the increased cost of living has contributed to the rise in incidents. Officials noted that residents may be delaying the replacement of faulty appliances or avoiding annual servicing due to financial pressures. In addition, some households are turning to riskier heating alternatives.
Assistant Commissioner for Prevention & Protection Pamela Oparaocha said: “As many households look for ways to manage rising energy costs, it’s important to stay mindful of safety. Some alternative heating methods, while well-intentioned, can carry serious risks.4 For instance, burning treated wood might seem like a cost-saving option, but it can release toxic fumes and is more likely to spit embers, which could ignite nearby materials.”5
Silent & Invisible Threat
The LFB is urging the public to be vigilant, reminding them that carbon monoxide is a silent and invisible danger. Produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels, it can be released by faulty boilers, heaters, cookers, and fires. Blocked or damaged chimneys, vents, and flues can also contribute to the build-up of the gas in both homes and commercial premises.
“Carbon monoxide is a silent and invisible danger—you can’t see, smell, or taste it, but it can be fatal within minutes,” Oparaocha warned.The Brigade has advised that carbon monoxide alarms should be fitted in all rooms containing fuel-burning appliances, and positioned so they can be heard throughout the property, including while people are sleeping.10 The Brigade hopes that public education campaigns will help reverse the dangerous trend.
