Charcoal indoors poses deadly risk

22/01/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 22: Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) has warned about the dangers of leaving charcoal in enclosed spaces, as it poses a threat to life and it is known as the ‘silent killer’ due to the carbon monoxide gas it produces, especially during the camping season and low temperatures.

Director of Public Relations and Media Department at KFF Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib told the newspaper that citizens and expatriates should avoid using charcoal inside homes or unventilated areas, particularly in camps during cold weather. He stressed the importance of good ventilation and using safety measures to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is invisible and odorless, making it a ‘silent killer’. He said the symptoms include headache, nausea and shortness of breath. He affirmed that KFF is committed to continuing its public awareness campaigns to prevent accidents related to charcoal use and to ensure the safety of everyone.

By Munif Naif Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff