Safety regulator, Discount Stores Announce Recall of Fire Extinguishers
Recall 00111 · May 18, 2000 · 99 Cents Only Store
26,000
units affected
26,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 00111
- Date
- May 18, 2000
- Company
- 99 Cents Only Store
- Units affected
- 26,000
- Product
- "Firestopper" fire extinguishers
- Product type
- Fire Extinguishers
- Hazard
- Fire
The product
The fire extinguisher is yellow with a black top and a red spout. "FIRESTOPPER" is written on the side of the extinguisher in orange. The "I" in the name is written to resemble a flame. Other writing on the unit includes "ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE," "NON-TOXIC," "The Portable Liquid Fire Extinguisher," and "MADE IN THE USA." The extinguisher is about 10 inches high, and the net weight is 12 ounces. The product was originally marketed by Bombay Productions Inc. in California.
What can happen
Because of the high-pressure contents of these fire extinguishers, they can explode and expose consumers to flying debris, causing puncture wounds and blast injuries.
The fix
Consumers should discharge these fire extinguishers into a plastic garbage bag or similar container outside, in an open area. Consumers can return the discharged units to the store where purchased, for a refund.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- One consumer was hit by flying debris, but was not injured. The explosions have resulted in property damage.
- Sold at
- Dollar-type discount stores, including Only Deals and Bargain Wholesale, and wholesalers sold these fire extinguishers nationwide, from January 1999 through February 2000, for between $.99 and $4.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled "firestopper" fire extinguishers?
Consumers should discharge these fire extinguishers into a plastic garbage bag or similar container outside, in an open area. Consumers can return the discharged units to the store where purchased, for a refund.
What is the hazard?
Because of the high-pressure contents of these fire extinguishers, they can explode and expose consumers to flying debris, causing puncture wounds and blast injuries.
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.