The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·99038·Announced 1998-12-16

Marco Recalls Gas Fireplaces Due to Fire Hazard

Marco is recalling over 22,000 gas decorative fireplaces because a vent system defect can cause fires inside walls. Consumers should stop using these units and contact the company for a free repair.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with 22 reported fires and extensive property damage, meeting the rubric criteria for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' under the Severe category.

Plain-English summary

Marco Manufacturing Inc. is recalling more than 22,000 gas decorative fireplaces in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall addresses a defect in the vent systems where the interior vent pipe can separate from the exterior wall connection. If this separation occurs, hot exhaust gases can ignite a fire inside the wall of the house.

Marco and CPSC are aware of 22 fires involving these fireplaces, several of which caused extensive damage, though no injuries have been reported. The affected fireplaces feature a sealed glass-front panel and vent systems that exit through the side wall. They can be identified by a six or seven-digit model number starting with 794 or 797, found on a label inside the lower grill door. Most models include the letters "CCT," while older models have the designation "MGC36DV."

These fireplaces were sold by gas appliance and hearth distributors from February 1993 through November 1997 for approximately $1,000, with the vent system costing about $140. Most were installed during new home construction. Marco has already repaired about 9,000 units since July 1998. All other owners should stop using the recalled fireplaces immediately. Consumers can call Lennox, which acquired Marco, at (800) 655-2008 to arrange a free repair or determine if their unit is affected.

The recalled product

Product
Marco gas decorative fireplaces
Manufacturer
Marco Mfg
Category
Consumer Product — Fireplaces & Accessories
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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