38 Million Fire Extinguishers Are Currently Recalled

When I was 26 I set my wok on fire seasoning it (before I knew how to do it properly), but luckily my trusty fire extinguisher took care of things before it became really serious. That’s why the news that 38 million fire extinguishers are being recalled right now — models made over the last 44 years — is especially unnerving.

There are recalls and then there are tell all the people recalls. This is the latter variety. When small things like a salad or ice cream get recalled, people check their refrigerator and often don’t have the product on hand. But when it comes to fire extinguishers, it’s not like there are 500 brands to choose from. In fact, 37.8 million pieces are being recalled that have sold over the last 44 years. You guys, that’s a lot.

This recall covers 120 different models (which is pretty much all of them). They were sold at Menards, Montgomery Ward, Sears, The Home Depot, Walmart, and other hardware and department stores in addition to Amazon. Consumers are being told to contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher.

Which ones have problems? There are two types of Kidde extinguishers with malfunctions: Plastic handle fire extinguishers and push-button extinguishers. They may fail to discharge and the nozzle may detach. There have been hundreds of problems and even a death in an emergency situation, so take zero chances and check on yours today.

The 134 models were manufactured between January 1, 1973 and August 15, 2017, and includes models that have been previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. You can check the full list of items on recall over at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check the graphic above to find the information needed to see if yours is under recall.