Recall: Fire Extinguishers Recalled by 99 Cents Only

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.