The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·00111·Announced 2000-05-18

Firestopper Fire Extinguishers Recalled Due to Explosion Risk

CPSC and 99 Cents Only Stores are recalling Firestopper fire extinguishers that may explode, causing property damage and potential injury.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect (explosion risk) with reported property damage and a near-miss injury (debris hit consumer), fitting the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and 99 Cents Only Stores are recalling approximately 26,000 "Firestopper" fire extinguishers. The recalled units are yellow with a black top and a red spout, featuring the word "FIRESTOPPER" in orange on the side. These extinguishers were sold nationwide at dollar-type discount stores, including Only Deals and Bargain Wholesale, and wholesalers from January 1999 through February 2000 for between $0.99 and $4.00.

The recall is due to a hazard where the high-pressure contents of the extinguishers can cause them to explode. This explosion can expose consumers to flying debris, potentially causing puncture wounds and blast injuries. CPSC and the firm have received five reports of the fire extinguishers exploding in consumers' homes. While one consumer was hit by flying debris but was not injured, the explosions have resulted in property damage.

Consumers should discharge these fire extinguishers into a plastic garbage bag or similar container outside in an open area. After discharging the unit, consumers can return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call 99 Cents Only Stores at (888) 289-3325 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
"Firestopper" fire extinguishers
Category
Consumer Product — Fire Safety Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
26,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · explosion

See all →