Recall: Fire Hazard with Oscillating Heater Sold in Wal-Mart Prompts Recall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 26, 2006
Release #06-075
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 443-1291
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


Fire Hazard with Oscillating Heater Sold in Wal-Mart Prompts Recall

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Maxi-Heat™ Dream Tower Heater

Units: About 75,000

Distributor: King of Fans Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Hazard: The wires inside the oscillating heater can short circuit and spark, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: King of Fans has received 31 reports of heaters smoking or sparking, and one report of a house fire. There have been no reports of injuries.

Description: The recalled model is CH920. The ceramic portable electric heaters are the oscillating tower type. They are grey and have a control panel attached to the top of the unit. "Maxi-Heat™" is printed on the control panel. The model number is printed on the ETL label on the bottom of the back side of the unit.

Sold at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from August 2005 through December 2005 for about $40.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and unplug them. Return the recalled heaters to a Wal-Mart store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact King of Fans toll-free at (866) 443-1291 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. E.T., Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site at www.kingoffans.com

Picture of Recalled Tower Heater