The following information is reprinted from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, at the request of the Alachua County Fire Marshal.
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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze & Comfort Essentials Heaters
Units: About 2.2 million
Importer: Wal-Mart Stores Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas
Hazard: The heaters can malfunction resulting in overheating, smoking, burning, melting and fire.
Incidents/Injuries: Haier Wal-Mart has received 21 reports of incidents, which included 11 reports of property damage beyond the heater. Injuries were reported in four incidents, three of which required medical attention for minor burns and smoke inhalation. The remaining incidents included smoke irritation, sparking or property damage beyond the heater.
Description: This recall involves Flow Pro, Airtech, Aloha Breeze and Comfort Essentials 1500 watt heaters. The heaters are grey with a metal handle on the top with vents and grey control knobs on the front. The model number is 1013 and can be found on a label on the lower left corner of the back panel of the heater.
Sold Exclusively at: Walmart stores nationwide from December 2001 through October 2009 for about $18.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heater and return the product to any Walmart store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Wal-Mart toll-free at (800) 925-6278 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.walmart.com/