Barbecue Used Inside Home Sickens Family

A family that tried to use an outdoor barbecue grill as an indoor heating source ended up in the hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning Monday night, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department said.

Firefighters were called to single-story dwelling at 8913 N. Moonbeam Ave. about 10:30 p.m. They found a charcoal barbecue grill in the home and two adults and three children--ages 8, 6 and 7 months--suffering from headaches, dizziness and vomiting, said Jim Wells, a Fire Department spokesman.

The five individuals were taken to Valley Presbyterian Hospital. The victims, all members of the Amaya family, were released in good condition about 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, said hospital spokeswoman Lori Brandt.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that is the byproduct of the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline or coal. The gas can kill in enclosed spaces, fire officials warned.

Barbecue grills should never be used inside the home, fire officials said.

The Fire Department also urged residents to check their fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, wood-burning stoves and portable or space heaters for problems before the onset of cold weather.