FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2000
Release # 00-111
Fire Extinguisher Recall Hotline: (888) 289-3325 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
CPSC, Discount Stores Announce Recall of Fire Extinguishers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), 99 Cents Only Store, in City of Commerce, Calif., is
voluntarily recalling 26,000 "Firestopper" fire extinguishers. 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.
CPSC and the firm have received five reports of the fire
extinguisher exploding in consumers' homes. One consumer was hit by
flying debris, but was not injured. The explosions have resulted in
property damage.
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.
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.
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.
For more information, call 99 Cents Only Stores at (888) 289-3325
between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
