fire hazard -

Insolroll Roller Shades that are both rechargeable and solar-powered are being recalled by the Louisville, Colorado-based Insolroll Window Shading Systems.  The shades utilize a lithium battery and can be activated by way of a switch or a remote control.  An estimated 1,500 shades are impacted by the recall, and each would have been available across the country between last June and this past March.  In the midst of a charge, the aforementioned batteries are in danger of heating to an unsafe degree, an issue that could create a hazard.  Although no one has reportedly been injured by this defect, one person has reported a fire.  The chargers should be unplugged and a dealer should be contacted for those looking to receive a new motor.

For more about the recall, follow this link.

The Saddle Brook, New Jersey-based Nourison Industries has announced the recall of polyester shag area rugs from the I-CANDI collection.  The rugs were available in San Diego, San Francisco, and select other markets this past September, making for a total of around 1,400 recalled items.  These rugs apparently fail to conform to flammability requirements imposed by the federal government, and thus they would create a potential fire threat if exposed to something like an open flame.  No incidents of such have been reported at this time, and to ensure that remains the case, owners should store the rugs and get in touch with Nourison to obtain a new product.

Click here for more about the recall.

The New York City-based Avon Products has announced the recall of Microwave Popcorn Makers under the Avon’s brand.  These six inch tall products will have a plastic yellow lid and an item number of 474-105.  Sold online and via direct sale from Avon reps between this past October and February, the products pose a fire hazard when heated too long.  The popcorn inside can heat to an unsafe degree, potentially igniting and causing the user to sustain a burn.  20 overheating incidents have been made known, two of which caused microwave damage.  Thankfully, no one got hurt in any of those instances.  Owners of the estimated 54,700 products should get in touch with Avon for new safety instructions.

For more about the recall, click here.

The Anaheim, California-based Optimus Enterprise has announced the recall of Infrared Quartz Radiant Heaters under the Optimus brand.  The recall affects H-5210 and H-5211 models of the portable heaters.  Sold online and across the country between October 2011 and the end of last year, the heaters could suffer from a certain design failure that can lead to a fire.  If combustible items make contact with the heater, they can be set ablaze.  Thankfully, no incidents of such have been reported at this time, and to ensure that continues, owners are being asked to cease using the heaters and to seek out a new unit from Optimus.  An estimated 355,000 heaters are impacted by the recall.

Click here for more about the recall.

A series of heaters is being recalled because they have the potential to heat to a degree that goes beyond what the user was probably intending.  Already, an instance of a fire breaking out has been reported, and thus if you are in possession of one of the recalled units, it’s imperative to heed the directions of the recall as soon as possible.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meijer Distribution announced the recall, which affects portable baseboard convection heaters under the Touch Point brand.  These electric heaters will have a date code of 0611 and a model number of BBC-1500.  Produced in June 2011, the 4,560 or so heaters encompassed by the recall were on sale across the country from Meijer between September 2011 and this past February.  They would have cost around $50.

At issue is the fact that the heaters can simply overheat, an issue that could prompt a fire.  Two overheating issues have already come to Meijer’s attention, and one of those incidents led to a fire and the incursion of property damage.  Thankfully, no one was injured.

The heaters should not be used.  Instead, owners are being advised to bring the products back to Meijer to get their money back.  Although it’s May and the heater likely won’t be used by many Californians for a few months, it’s important to take care of the problem now while the issue is fresh in your memory.

Mowing the lawn leads to its share of injurious incidents every single year across the country.  When consumers aren’t careful with a product that has spinning blades, it’s easy to see the danger that would present itself.  Thus, the last thing an owner would want is a defect that could make things more hazardous.  It’s imperative then that you heed this next recall if you own one of the items.

The Bloomington, Minnesota-based The Toro Company announced the recall, which affects 3,760 Z Master Commercial 2000 Series ZRT Riding Mowers, almost all of which could be found in the United States (60 were sold in Canada).  The mowers were available across the country between this past January and April.

At issue is the fact that the idler pulley can move back and forth across the fuel tank, a problem that could eventually allow a fire if it gets out of hand.  Six instances of the issue taking place have been reported, although it’s not clear if those actually led a fire to break out.  Thankfully, no one was injured.

Owners should have received word of the issue, but if for some reason you have not, please cease using your lawnmower at once.  You can then set up an inspection and, if necessary, a repair with a local Toro dealer at no cost.

Optimus Tower Quartz Heaters have been recalled by the Matthews, North Carolina-based Family Dollar Services because of an overheating issue that could potentially endanger consumers.  These products, which were only available from Family Dollar Stores between September and December of last year, can create a fire hazard if they heat up to an unsafe degree.  Ten incidents of overheating have been reported, some of which led to the melting of the units’ temperature knobs.  Thankfully, no fires or injuries have reportedly occurred in conjunction with these incidents.  19,640 heaters are impacted by the recall, and each should be unplugged at once.  The heaters can be brought back for a refund.

Follow this link for more about the recall.

Regal and Buick LaCrosse vehicles of the 2012 and 2013 model years and eAssist-equipped Chevy Malibu Eco vehicles of the 2013 model year have been recalled by General Motors because of the potentially improper functioning of the Generator Control Module.  This could cause the battery to lose power over time, prompting the malfunction light on the dashboard to turn on.  Continued operation of the vehicle can then lead to an engine stall or a failure to start the automobile.  The issue could also create a trunk fire.  Owners of the 42,904 or so affected vehicles should hear from the company, although there is as of yet no indication when the recall will take place.  Replacement of impacted components will take place at no cost by dealers once the recall does start.

For more about the recall, click here.

Numerous types of motorhomes are being recalled by Winnebago Industries because of a potential fire hazard.  The recall affects Cambria, Sunova, Minnie Winnie, Chalet, Sightseer, Suncruiser, Meridian, Adventurer, Journey, Aspect, and Itasca Spirit motorhomes of the 2012 through 2014 model years.  1,927 of these motorhomes may not have a range enclosure.  Without this, it becomes possible for the gas range flame to go out even as propane continues to emanate.  Should some type of open flame then spring up while the gas leaks out, it could spark a blaze and injure persons in the vicinity.  In May, the recall should start, and owners will hear from Winnebago.  The motorhomes can be brought to a dealer to get a new enclosure installed.

Click here for more about the recall.

The West Chester, Ohio-based LEM Products Distribution has announced the recall of 5-Tray Food Dehydrators because of a potential overheating issue.  The issue stems from the potential failure of the fan, which can cause the temperature to build and eventually lead a fire to break out.  Two fire incidents have come to the fore, one of which prompted the user to bring the dehydrator outside to prevent a larger blaze.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.  14,700 units are affected by the recall, all but 100 of which were sold in the United States (the remainder were sold in Canada).  Consumers are being asked to cease usage and get in touch with LEM to learn how to send the item back for free repairs.  The products were available across the country between August 2010 and this past February.

To learn more about the recall, click here.