The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·91080·Announced 1991-05-30

American LaFrance and BECO Fire Extinguishers Recalled for Explosion Hazard

Badger-Powhatan is recalling specific American LaFrance and BECO fire extinguishers because the plastic valve assembly could blow off, posing a serious injury risk.

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 leading to explosions and projectiles, with three reported injuries and 100 explosion incidents, meeting the criteria for significant injury reports.

Plain-English summary

Badger-Powhatan of Charlottesville, VA, is recalling approximately 84,000 American LaFrance and BECO fire extinguishers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The affected units are models P-250MA and P-275RA manufactured between May 1985 and December 1985. These extinguishers were sold nationwide in retail stores for approximately $9 to $15 each, or installed by contractors in buildings, boats, or mobile homes.

The recall is due to a defect in the threads connecting the plastic valve and nozzle assembly to the red canister. This defect could cause the assembly to blow off with enough force to cause serious injury. Badger-Powhatan has received reports of 100 explosion incidents, including three reported injuries. In several other incidents, the nozzle assembly was embedded in walls or ceilings.

Consumers should check their fire extinguishers for the specific model and serial numbers listed in the official recall notice. If the unit is affected, consumers are advised to handle it carefully with the nozzle assembly pointing to the ground and return it to the nearest authorized American LaFrance or BECO distributor for a free replacement. Consumers can call Badger-Powhatan at 1-800-922-3499 to locate a distributor.

The recalled product

Product
American LaFrance fire extinguishers
Manufacturer
Badger-Powhatan
Category
Consumer Product — Fire Extinguishers
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · explosion

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