Seven people were treated for carbon monoxide exposure Wednesday after firefighters discovered dangerously high levels of the gas inside a Bronx home, city officials said. The scare unfolded just before noon at a building on Grant Avenue between East 164th and East 165th Streets. Two people were listed in serious condition, while five others were expected to survive, according to the Fire Department.
CBS News New York reports that FDNY crews responded to the address and treated seven people for possible carbon monoxide exposure. Fire officials told the outlet that a defective oil burner at the location may have caused the elevated readings. All seven patients were taken to local hospitals for evaluation, the report says.
City guidance and safety steps
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, which means it can silently build to dangerous levels when fuel-burning appliances or flues are not ventilated properly. New York City requires property owners to install approved carbon monoxide alarms and recommends annual inspection and maintenance of heating systems, according to NYC Emergency Management.
Not an isolated problem
Building-level carbon monoxide scares are relatively common in the Bronx and are often traced to faulty burners, clogged chimneys or venting issues. For example, NBC New York reported that in December 2025 at least 10 people were treated after an apparent faulty oil burner sickened residents in Soundview, and CBS News New York covered a 2023 incident where more than a dozen residents were taken to hospitals after alarms sounded in East Tremont.
What to do if an alarm sounds
If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, officials say you should get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911, then contact the New York City Poison Control Center for guidance. The city also urges residents to test carbon monoxide detectors monthly, replace batteries twice a year and have heating systems and chimneys inspected annually, per NYC Health.
