More than 40 million fire extinguishers are being recalled because they can fail to work, potentially resulting in injury or death.
This recall involves two styles of Kidde fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers. The recall involves 134 models of plastic handle Kidde fire extinguishers made between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017. It also involves eight models of push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers made between Aug. 11, 1995 and Sept. 22, 2017. More details on model numbers can be found at http://bit.ly/2xOTwdc.
The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.
Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency.
Recall information for fire extinguishers used in RVs and motor vehicles can be found on NHTSA’s website.
The company is aware of a 2014 death involving a car fire following a crash. Emergency responders could not get the recalled Kidde fire extinguishers to work. There have been numerous reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including the fatality, about 16 injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns, and some 91 reports of property damage.
About 37.8 million in the U.S. and about 2.7 million in Canada were manufactured.
For more information, call Kidde at 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST Saturday and Sunday, or visit www.kidde.com and click on the “Product Safety Recall” links.
Durango Fire recommends that you check the placement and ‘charge’ (needle should be in the ‘green’) of your fire extinguishers twice a year. The agency recommends that you have the proper size and functioning fire extinguishers in these locations:
Where you cook.Where you heat (in your HVAC room and near any wood burning or pellet stoves).Where your work (in garages and shops).Any other locations where heating is occurring or flammable materials are stored and/or used.Fire extinguishers have a tendency to ‘crawl’ to the back of cabinets and shelving, so move them back to the forefront when you do your bi-annual inspection.
Durango Fire offers fire extinguisher training classes as well as home and commercial fire prevention and safety information.
For more information, www.durangofire.org or call Scot Davis at 382-6014.
