Kidde Plastic Fire Extinguisher Recall Issued After Reports of Failures

An estimated 4.6 million Kiddie plastic fire extinguishers have been recalled, after safety officials received nearly a dozen reports of the extinguishers failing to discharge, increasing the risk of serious injury or property damage in a fire. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a Kiddie disposable fire extinguisher recall on February 12, following reports that the extinguishers failed to discharge.

At least 11 consumers have reported the plastic fire extinguishers failed to work when needed. However, no injuries have been reported in connection with the extinguishers.

The CPSC has determined that the problem is linked to a faulty valve component. The extinguishers may not fully discharge when the lever is repeatedly pressed and released during a fire, the commission warns.

The recall includes 31 models of Kiddie disposable fire extinguishers with Zytel black plastic valves sold in either red, white, or silver canisters. The extinguishers are rated ABC or BC for multi-purpose use. Ratings can be located on the right-hand side of the nameplate. Recalled extinguishers were manufactured between July 23, 2013 and October 15, 2014 and possess a 10-digit date code that is stamped near the bottom on the cylinder. The last five digits of the date code indicate the day and year of manufacture in DDDYY format. Date codes for recalled unites manufactured in 2013 are XXXX201413 X through XXXX36513 X and those produced in 2014 are XXXX 00114 X through XXXX28814 X.

Affected fire extinguishers will have one of the following model numbers affixed on a nameplate on the front; 10BC, 1A 10BC, 1A 10BCW, 2A10BC, 5BC, 5BCW, FA10G, FA110, FA5B, FC10, FC110, FC5, FH/RESSP, FX10, FX10BC, FX10K, FX210, FX210R, FX210W, FX340GW, FX340SC, FX5II, KFH Twin, M110 Twin, M5 Twin, Mariner 10, Mariner 110, Mariner 5, Mariner 5 G, RESSP, and XL 5MR. About 4.6 million units were sold in the United States, and about 175,000 were sold in Canada.

The recalled models were manufactured in Mexico and imported by Walter Kiddie Portable Equipment Company Inc., of Mebane, North Carolina. They were sold at Home Depots, Menards, Walmart, and other department, home and hardware stores nationwide and online from August 2013 through November 2014 for between $18 and $65, and about $200 for the XL 5MR model.

The CPSC recommends that customers check their fire extinguishers to see if they are affected by the recall. Customers with recalled extinguishers should contact Kiddie at 855-283-7991 or visit them online at www.kiddie.com and navigate to the Safety Notice for information on how to obtain a free replacement fire extinguisher.