Wal-Mart Heater Recall Issued Due to Risk of Fires, Burns

About 2.2 million electric heaters sold at Wal-Mart are being recalled after reports of fires that caused injuries and property damage. 

The Wal-Mart electric heater recall was announced on December 16 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after Wal-Mart received at least 21 reports of the heaters overheating, smoking, burning, melting and occasionally catching fire.

At least four people have been injured, including three that required medical attention for burns and smoke inhalation. There have also been 11 reports of property damage from the electric heaters.

The recall affects Walmart 1500-watt heaters sold under the Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze and Comfort Essentials labels. All of the affected heaters have a model number of 1013 on a label on the lower left corner of the back panel. They are grey with a metal handle, grey control knobs on the front, and vents.

The heaters were sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores nationwide from December 2001 through October 2009 for about $18.

The CPSC recommends that any consumers who have purchased one of the affected heaters stop using them immediately and return the heater to any Wal-Mart store for a full refund. For more information, customers can contact Wal-Mart at 1-800-925-6278 or they can go to www.walmart.com.