More than 40 million Kidde plastic-handled fire extinguishers have been recalled, including those used on jet skis.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) explains, “The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.”
CPSC says there have been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including one fatality; approximately 16 injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns; and approximately 91 reports of property damage.
The recall affects both plastic-handle and push-button Pindicator Kidde fire extinguishers, including 134, ABC- or BC-rated models manufactured between January 1, 1973, and August 15, 2017. The extinguishers are red, white or silver and were sold in the US and Canada through a wide range of retailers from Montgomery Ward to Amazon. The CPSC recall website shows how to easily identify the affected extinguishers.
Now BoatUS’s safety foundation is urging boat owners to check the extinguishers on their boats. You can get a free replacement with a metal handle—instead of plastic—by clicking here.
Kidde admits the free replacement extinguisher that is being sent to jet ski owners may not quite fit in the current mounting on their personal watercraft.
You can call Kidde at 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
