The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·83065·Announced 1983-12-21

CPSC Warns of Fire Hazard in Lite Tree Top Ornaments

The CPSC warns that approximately 200,000 Lite Tree Top ornaments may overheat and melt when used in non-flashing mode, posing a potential fire hazard.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire hazard) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the 'High' severity criteria in the rubric.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning on December 21, 1983, regarding approximately 200,000 "Lite Tree Top" ornaments imported from Taiwan. These ornaments, which include star, angel, halo, or other shapes with nine to twelve lights each, were marketed by various domestic companies and retailed for about two to three dollars.

The warning was issued because the ornaments could overheat and melt when set for non-flashing or non-twinkling operation, presenting a potential fire hazard. The CPSC noted that while no actual fires or injuries had been reported, at least six consumer complaints indicated that the ornaments had overheated, resulting in melting or smoking of the light reflectors. The issue was exacerbated by contradictory instructions on the packaging: one statement advised replacing a flasher lamp to make the set non-twinkling, while a caution statement warned against steady burn operation due to overheating risks.

Consumers who purchased these ornaments are advised to check the package box for the contradictory labeling. If present, consumers should use the ornament only in the flashing or twinkling mode or stop using it entirely. Further information on holiday safety can be obtained by calling the CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC.

The recalled product

Product
Lite Tree Top Ornaments
Manufacturer
Lite Tree Top
Category
Consumer Product — Seasonal Lights
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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