CPSC Announces Recall of 37 Million Kidde Fire Extinguishers
The recall involves both plastic handle and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 40 million Kidde fire extinguishers due to reports they may not function properly in an emergency. The recall applies to 134 models of Kidde fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973, and August 15, 2017, including models that had been previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015.
The recall involves both plastic handle and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers. The extinguishers can fail to activate during a fire emergency due to clogs or requiring excessive force to discharge. The nozzle also can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard. There have been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including a 2014 death in which emergency responders could not get the recalled Kidde fire extinguishers to work in a car fire following a crash.
Consumers who have purchased one of the recalled extinguisher models should contact Kidde immediately for instructions on how to return the recalled unit and to request a free replacement fire extinguisher. More information and the specific model numbers recalled can be found at the US CPSC website.