MEBANE, NC - A North Carolina-based company is recalling over 37 million fire extinguishers with plastic handles that could fail to activate during an emergency.
The Commission says the extinguishers, manufactured by Kidde, could become clogged or require excessive force to discharge. CPSC also says the nozzle poses a hazard if it detaches with enough force. About 37.8 million total extinguishers were recalled, including units with plastic handles and push-button Pindicators.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there's been:
- Approximately 391 reports of 'failed or limited activation' or nozzle detachment
- 16 related injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns
- 1 related death involving a car fire in 2014
- 91 reports of property damage
The recall includes 134 models of extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017 along with those that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015.
A complete list of model numbers affected by the recall can be found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website. Kidde is based in Mebane.
The extinguishers were sold at Menards, Montgomery Ward, Sears, The Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon.com, ShopKids.com and other online retailers.
2.7 million units were also recalled in Canada.