Approximately 2.7 million Kidde brand fire extinguishers have been recalled in Canada as part of a massive recall of 40 million devices in North America.
The recall includes two types of extinguishers: plastic-handled fire extinguishers and plastic push-button fire extinguishers. The recall in Canada involves 134 different models sold between Jan. 1, 1973 and Aug. 15, 2017. Some of the models in this recall have been previously recalled.
The size and colours of the recalled extinguishers vary. The plastic-handled models were sold in red, white and silver, with either an ABC- or BC-rating. The push-button extinguishers were sold in red and white, with a black or red nozzle.
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According to the recall, “the fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail during a fire emergency.” Another risk is the nozzle detaching with such force that it could pose a hazard.
The recall requires the device be replaced.
One death has been reported — in 2014, emergency responders in the U.S. were unable to get their extinguisher to work at the scene of a car fire following a crash.
Plastic handle model examples
Plastic push-button model examples
In Canada, there have been two reports of the devices failing to work, one of which resulted in property damage. In the U.S. there have been nearly 400 reports of failed activation or nozzle detachment, with injuries and property damage reported.
The extinguishers have been sold at a number of retailers for use in homes or for professional purposes. They also were sold for use in watercraft, commercial trucks, and recreational vehicles.
You can read the full list of recalled extinguishers and how to identify them here. Kidde can be contacted by consumers here.