The Recall Desk
Our severity:HighCPSC·88081·Announced 1988-10-07

Bic Recalls Regular Size Fixed Flame Lighters Due to Fire Risk

Bic is voluntarily recalling regular size fixed flame lighters because the flame may not extinguish. No accidents have been reported.

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/burn) where injury has not yet been reported, which aligns with the High severity criteria.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Bic Corporation announced a voluntary recall of Bic's new regular size fixed flame lighters. The recall is due to a potential defect where the flame on approximately 0.04% of these lighters may not extinguish. There have been no reported accidents or complaints regarding these lighters.

Approximately 6.5 million of these lighters were distributed starting July 21, 1988. The majority of the units are still in warehouses or within the Bic distribution chain. Bic has already implemented manufacturing changes to address the issue. The affected lighters are packaged in a plastic pouch containing two lighters or in an open plastic tray, with the pouch stating "with fixed flame." Consumers can identify the affected model because it lacks a wheel for adjusting flame height. Bic Mini fixed flame and Bic regular size adjustable lighters are not affected.

Consumers should immediately stop using the regular size fixed flame Bic lighter and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund.

The recalled product

Product
Bic regular size fixed flame lighters
Manufacturer
Bic
Category
Consumer Product — Lighters
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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