American Flame Recalls Fireplaces to Replace Gas Valves Due to Fire and Explosion Hazards
Recall 08277 · May 21, 2008 · American Flame
12,000
units affected
12,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 08277
- Date
- May 21, 2008
- Company
- American Flame
- Units affected
- 12,000
- Product
- Fireplace Gas Valves
- Product type
- Fireplaces & Accessories
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The recall involves American Flame AF-4000 series fireplace gas valves installed in residential fireplaces made by twelve manufacturers under the following brand names: Pacific Energy, Travis Industries, CFM Corporation, Canadian Heating Products, Portland Willamette, Rasmussen, Chimeneas de Columbia, Twin Eagles, FDM, Inca Metals (Savannah Heating), Even Temp, and Valley Comfort. The valves were installed in some but not all fireplaces. Date codes included in the recall include 0622 through 0718. The gas valve model number is located on a label on the bottom of each gas valve. The date code is located above the label.
What can happen
Gas can continue to flow into the fireplace pilot light area after the switch has been turned "off," posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fireplaces and contact their dealer for a free repair. The repair involves replacing the fireplace's valve if it leaks gas in the "off" position when tested by a qualified service technician.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- American Flame has received two reports of incidents involving valve failure and continuous gas flow. No injuries or fires have been reported.
- Sold at
- Fireplace retailers and distributors nationwide from September 2006 through July 2007 for between $500 and $2,000 for the fireplaces, with additional costs for installation.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled fireplace gas valves?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled fireplaces and contact their dealer for a free repair. The repair involves replacing the fireplace's valve if it leaks gas in the "off" position when tested by a qualified service technician.
What is the hazard?
Gas can continue to flow into the fireplace pilot light area after the switch has been turned "off," posing a fire or explosion hazard to consumers.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.