car crash

38 Million Fire Extinguishers Recalled Over Failure to Work, Risk of Nozzle Blast; 1 Death, 16 Injuries Reported

One death has been reported in connection with the recalled products, as well as more than a dozen injuries

What to Know

  • Nearly 38 million Kidde extinguishers sold across the nation are being recalled because they may not work in emergencies
  • One death has been reported, along with more than a dozen injuries and 91 reports of property damage
  • They were sold in red, white and silver at stores including Sears, The Home Depot and Walmart, as well as on Amazon.com

Nearly 38 million Kidde fire extinguishers with plastic handles are being recalled in the U.S. because they may not work in emergencies or the nozzles can detach, and one death has already been reported because of it. 

The recall announced Thursday involves 134 models of two kinds of Kidde fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017. It also includes models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. Click here for full details on the products affected.  

The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver at stores across the nation, including Sears, The Home Depot and Walmart, as well as on Amazon.com. 

In 2014, emergency crews responding to a car crash and fire couldn't get the recalled extinguishers to work and one person ended up dead. There have been nearly 400 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including the case of the fatality, about 16 injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns, and roughly 91 reports of property damage. 

For more information, contact Kidde toll-free at 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. You can also go to www.kidde.com and click on “Product Safety Recall” for more information.

Contact Us