On February 3, 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioned announced a voluntary recall of Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas Furnaces for manufactured homes. The furnace can overheat and cause the heat-exchanger to crack and create openings that allow flames to be exposed. When this happens, drywall and other nearby combustibles are exposed to the flames, posing a fire and smoke hazard to consumers.
On February 2, 2012, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissioned announced recalls for: 1) Konica Minolta Magicolor 4750DN, Magicolor 3730DN, Bizhub C35 and Bizhub C35P printers and 2) Hewlett-Packard (HP) 1040 and 1050 fax machines.
On February 1, 2012, the CPSC announced recalls for the following products due to potential fire hazard: hurricane style lights sold at Christmas Tree Shops, holiday-themed tea light candle warmers sold at Christmas Tree Shops, and Lush Life power strips sold at The Container Store.
While participating in a training drill, a New Jersey firefighter was injured when a sand cast aluminum large diameter hose appliance catastrophically failed. This report identifies key issues and remedies that should be implemented within all New Jersey fire departments to prevent a reoccurrence of this type of incident. (PDF, 13 Mb)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed its safety defect investigation into the potential risk of fire in Chevy Volts that have been involved in a serious crash. Opened on November 25, the agency's investigation has concluded that no discernible defect trend exists and that the vehicle modifications recently developed by General Motors reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts.
The tea light can burn with an excessive flame height, posing a fire hazard to consumers. The recalled tea lights were sold as part of the Carruth Candleholder Collection sets. The Carruth candleholder sets are resin votive candle holders with a glass insert that holds a tea light. The stock number is printed on a label on the bottom of the candleholders. The tea lights are white. The following eight models and stock numbers are included in this recall: Butterfly, 17708; Smile, 17709; Sun, 17710; Roots of Love, 17711; Sunflower, 17712; Hummingbird, 17713; Bunny, 17714; Friendship, 17715. Sold by: Home decorating and gift stores nationwide from January 2010 to November 2011 for about $14.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2001-2002 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 22, 1999 through July 19, 2002, equipped with a brake master cylinder reservoir cap that could leak brake fluid. If brake fluid leaks from the cap, it could come in contact with the antilock brake system (ABS) module wiring harness connector. Consequence: corrosion can develop in the electrical connector leading to melting, smoke, or a fire.
When turned on, the flashlights can heat up, smoke or melt, posing fire and burn hazards. This recall involves 6-pc. LED Flashlight Sets. They are made of silver plastic with black rubber around the handle and light base. The flashlight sets have UPC code 490021010049 printed on the back of the package. They were sold in sets of six, including two small flashlights measuring about 3 inches long, two medium flashlights about 6 inches long and two large flashlights about 7 1/2 inches long. Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from October 2010 through December 2011 for about $10 per set.
The regulator on the grill can leak gas which can ignite, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. This recall involves Iroda O-Grill models 1000 and 3000 produced before 2010. Some were also sold under the Tailgating Gear brand. Both models are lightweight, portable, clamshell-type propane grills with steel bodies, cast iron cooking surfaces, retractable legs and a handle. They can be used with either 1-pound propane cylinders or 20-pound propane tanks. The grills come in orange, red, green, blue, silver and black and have the words "O-Grill" stamped on the metal grill cover. Recalled O-Grills do not have ventilation slots in the regulator cover where the propane bottle screws in. Grills with ventilation slots in the regulator cover are not subject to the recall. Sold by: LL Bean, Stoneman, BBQG, Walgreens, REI, Dillards and Dick's Sporting Goods nationwide from November 2008 through December 2010. The O-Grill 1000 sold for $149 and the O-Grill 3000 sold for $189.
The pajamas fail to meet the federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear posing a risk of burn injury to children. The pajamas are a Petit Lem-brand, two-piece, cotton shorts and short-sleeved sleepwear set sold in sizes 2 to 12. The pajamas are blue with flowers, white with flowers and dots, yellow with umbrellas, or pink with butterflies and fairies. Petit Lem Lounge is printed at the inside neck of the shirt. Sold at: Specialty children's stores and websites from January 2009 to November 2009 for about $30.
These children's robes fail to meet the federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injury to children. The robes are fluffy white fleece robes with large multi-color dots. The 100% polyester fleece robes were sold with Euro children's sizes 80-150 cm (24 months through size 14) printed on the hangtag of the garments. "Style 38310 Hanna Andersson" is printed on the neck tag of the robes. Sold at: Hanna Andersson retail stores, catalogs nationwide and the Hanna Andersson website from September 2011 through November 2011 for about $50.
This recall involves Brookfield entry way decorating sets which include two green artificial 48-inch (4 ft.) trees in black metal vases, one green 24-inch wide wreath and one green 9-foot long garland. The wreath has battery-powered white lights. The trees and the garland plug into wall outlets. "True Value," "True Value Item #136879" and "UPC code 0 29033 36798 0" are printed on the product's box. Sold exclusively at: True Value Hardware stores nationwide during November 2011 for about $40. The battery box that powers lights on the artificial wreath can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Winter weather has arrived in much of the United States. Play it safe by checking if your heater has been previously recalled before you use it this season. It could save your life or that of your family.
In an effort to prevent further injuries and deaths resulting from the use of gel fuels in firepots, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted (4-0) Friday to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) aimed at improving the safety of gel fuels and firepots. The ANPR was prompted by the number of serious injuries and deaths that have occurred to consumers using these products. CPSC is aware of 65 incidents between April 2010 and September 2011, which have resulted in two deaths and at least 34 victims who were hospitalized with second and third degree burns of the face, chest, hands, arms or legs. The ANPR invites written comments from the public regarding the risks of injury associated with gel fuels and firepots and ways to address these risks. Following publication of the ANPR in the Federal Register, the public will have 60 days to provide comments to the Commission.
Sutphen Corp. is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 vehicles equipped with Meritor Wabco electronic stability control (ESC) modules. Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the ESC system. This might cause the ESC to perceive an oversteering situation and apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable. If the driver is slow to react during the ESC intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel, increasing the risk of a crash.
When the toasters are first plugged into the outlets, the heating element can be energized although the toaster lifter is in the up or off position, which can pose a fire hazard if the toaster is near flammable items. The Hamilton Beach recall involves model 22602 toasters. The model number is printed on the bottom of the toaster. The toaster has a chromed steel exterior, a front control panel with a rotary toast shade selector and function buttons arranged in an arc, a front removable crumb tray and "Hamilton Beach" printed below the control panel.
E-ONE is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 CYCLONE II, TYPHOON, and QUEST vehicles manufactured from May 1, 2008, through November 28, 2011, and equipped with Meritor Wabco electronic stability control (ESC) modules. Under certain road and driving conditions, vehicle body roll and road inclination characteristics may adversely affect the slip angle calculation of the ESC system. This might cause the ESC to perceive an oversteering situation and apply the outer wheel brake on the front axle until the vehicle is perceived to be stable. If the driver is slow to react during the ESC intervention, the vehicle may deviate from the intended line of travel, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fuel tank seam can separate and allow fuel to leak, posing a fire hazard. This recall involves following 2011 Precedent golf cars. The model and serial numbers are located above the passenger's side floor board. "Club Car" is printed on the front of the golf cars. Model CF, Serial Number Range CF1139-233925 - CF1147-250173. Model PR, Serial Number Range PR1139-233918 - PR1147-249956. Model PY, Serial Number Range PY1144-244648.
The pajamas fail to meet the federal flammability standards for children's sleepwear posing a risk of burn injury to children. The pajamas are a two-piece, cotton sleepwear set sold in sizes 2 to 12. The pajamas are white, blue, pink or red. "Bella Bliss" is written on the neck tag. Sold at: Bella Bliss catalog and website, and specialty clothing retailers and online stores from January 2008 to June 2011 for about $48 to $58.
The flashlights can overheat, blister and melt, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers. The black and orange plastic flashlight is 6 and 1/2 inches long and has pumpkins, bats, witches, haunted houses and cats on the handle. The flashlights come with six different plastic lenses that attach to the flashlight to project various images, including a pumpkin, bat, witch, haunted house and cat. The flashlights use two AA batteries. "Flomo," "HW189" and UPC 677916518266 are printed on the packaging.
This recall includes the Rocketfish Model RF-KL12 Mobile Battery Case. The battery case is made of black lightweight, soft-touch rubberized material designed to hold the phone securely, and comes with a built-in battery. The model number "RF-KL12" appears on the front of the product's packaging, on the packaging barcode, and in white print on the curved inner surface of the product. The battery case can overheat while charging, posing a fire hazard.
U.S. Fire Administrator Ernie Mitchell encourages fire departments to provide physical exams and implement a comprehensive fitness program this New Year.
Application procedures have been announced for the 2012 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program. The program is once again sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), /International Fire Service Training Association/Fire Protection Publications (IFSTA/FPP), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Applications are due no later than February 21, 2012.
United States Fire Administration announced today there were 81 on-duty firefighter fatalities in the United States as a result of incidents that occurred in 2011. This represents an almost seven percent decrease from the 87 fatalities reported for 2010.
The U.S. Fire Administration's (USFA) announced today a new National Fire Academy (NFA) program opportunity for educational institutions offering undergraduate fire science degree programs. This effort is designed to offer national recognition to students participating in the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model core associate's and bachelor's courses. The new FESHE recognition acknowledges the regionally accredited institutions that promote the standardization of fire science course titles, descriptions, and outcomes across the nation.
The 2010 Fire Estimate Summary Series presents information on the leading causes of residential building and nonresidential building fires, deaths, injuries, and dollar losses and overall trends in these leading causes.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today praised the Senate for confirming Ernest Mitchell Jr. as the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).
As our nation moves back to Standard Time beginning this weekend, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to mark the occasion as a time to test your home smoke alarms and replace the batteries if more than one year old.
Study will assist in the development and demonstration of emergency vehicle and roadway operations best practices for the fire and law enforcement communities.
Edward Steffy of the Rothsville Volunteer Fire Company in Rothsville, PA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-11-10 00:00:00.0.
Horace "Chris" C. Pendergrass of the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department in Fairfax, VA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-10-22 00:00:00.0.
Harold Gregory Gibson of the Fulton County Fire Rescue in Atlanta, GA has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 1993-06-19 00:00:00.0.
Andrew "Andy" K. Boyt of the Cape May Fire Department in Cape May, NJ has died as the result of an on-duty incident that occurred on 2011-10-03 00:00:00.0.
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to identify the proper handling procedures for digital evidence to avoid potential
damage or destruction of critical data. (PDF, 177 Kb)
When fire sprinkler systems are designed for storage applications, details on the eventual storage configuration are significant. Is the commodity stored on pallets, shelves, or racks? Is it banded or encapsulated? What is the commodity classification? Despite the fact that most people use the terms "storage racks" and "storage shelves" interchangeably, in fire protection there is a significant difference. Learning Objective: The student shall be able to define storage racks. (PDF, 406 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to identify the evidentiary value that cell phone data can provide in an arson investigation. (PDF, 174 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall identify the difference between the medical group and the medical unit in the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure. (PDF, 344 Kb)
When fire sprinkler systems are designed for storage applications, details on the eventual storage configuration are significant. Is the commodity stored on pallets, shelves, or racks? Is it banded or encapsulated? What is the commodity classification? Despite the fact that most people use the terms "storage racks" and "storage shelves" interchangeably, in fire protection there is a significant difference. Learning Objective: The student shall be able to define storage shelves. (PDF, 435 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to specify minimum fire-resistive construction requirements needed to maintain gypsum wallboard assemblies. (PDF, 390 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to describe the circumstances under which the code official can require technical assistance. (PDF, 382 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to identify four conditions affecting the installation of special application attic sprinklers. (PDF, 376 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to identify when one or more alternate power sources are required for electrically driven fire pumps. (PDF, 406 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to describe the evaluative criteria for a reliable source of electrical power to a fire pump. (PDF, 403 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to recognize and have an understanding of the signs and symptoms of stress and their coping mechanisms. (PDF, 353 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to describe how to include fire safety and prevention messages in interviews with the media. (PDF, 381 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to describe the requirements for joining nonmetallic pipe and fittings for sprinkler systems. (PDF, 395 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall be able to explain the importance of looking closely for health, safety, and fire hazards during inspections. (PDF, 363 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student will be able to identify the value of the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the enhancements to NFIRS. (PDF, 412 Kb)
Learning Objective: The student shall learn the importance of training in small/rural volunteer fire departments and some resources to assist with training. (PDF, 333 Kb)
