The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPR) on a new mandatory standard to address residential upholstered furniture fires. The goal of the proposed standard is to prevent ignition or slow the spread and intensity of upholstered furniture fires. These fires cost the U.S. about $1.6 billion each year. CPSC staff estimates the proposed standard, once fully effective, would prevent an estimated 100 deaths and 130 injuries every year.

“We represent victims of upholstered furniture fires and welcome any new standards that will prevent injuries and save lives. We recently settled a case involving an upholstered furniture fire that started in an apartment. In that case, a mother and her young son died,” said Fred Pritzker, a partner at our lawfirm. “Although we obtained a settlement of almost $3,000,000 dollars, no amount could compensate the family for the loss of these lives.”

“Fires involving upholstered furniture are a leading cause of fire-related deaths in U.S. homes,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Stopping a furniture fire in its tracks or slowing its spread would buy consumers precious time to get out of their homes.”

Under the proposal, manufacturers could meet the performance standard by using smolder-resistant cover fabrics or interior fire resistant barriers to protect the furniture’s internal filling material which is the primary fuel in an upholstered furniture fire. The CPSC’s objective is to reduce the fire risk in upholstered furniture without requiring the use of fire retardant chemicals. Manufacturers will not be required to use chemicals to meet the proposed standard. In its environmental assessment, CPSC staff projects most manufacturers and importers would likely choose options that do not involve fire- retardants in fabrics or filling materials.

According to chairman Nord:
To contact PritzkerOlsen regarding a furniture fire, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's free case consultation form.
Posted February 2008.

Labels: apartment fire, fire risk, fire-related deaths, upholstered furniture fire

AtHome America Inc., of Alsip, Illinois, has recalled about 6,300 four-wick decorative candles because they may be a fire hazard, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) AtHome America candle recall announcement. The candle’s wicks are in close proximity causing the candle to burn unevenly and faster than expected, posing a potential fire hazard. AtHome America has received one report of melted wax on a table. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

The recall involves four-inch, square-shaped candles with four wicks. The candles were sold in three styles: the Earth Hue Toasted Nutmeg and Spice candle, the Holiday Hue candle, and the Golden Metallic candle. The recalled candles were sold by AtHome America consultants from the 2007 Fall & Holiday Catalog from August 2007 through October 2007 for about $17. The candles were manufactured in Vietnam.

According to the CPSC recall announcement, consumers should stop using the candles immediately and contact their AtHome consultant for a full refund. The company has sent direct notices to sales consultants and candle owners.

PritzkerOlsen, a leading product liability law firm, is providing this information as a public service. Please do not contact our law firm about a case unless it involves serious personal injury. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form (right). The firm has extensive experience with product liability and fire accident cases.

Read the U.S. CPSC recall announcement.

Posted December 2007.

Labels: apartment fire, candle recall, fire injury, fire risk, product liability, upholstered furniture fire

According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Collins International Co. has voluntarily recalled about 20,000 oscillating ceramic heaters sold at Menards retail stores due to possible fire hazard. This recall involves 1500 watt oscillating ceramic heaters model EB38005. The heater has a white plastic housing with the name "Heat-Wave" in black on its top. A label on the bottom of the product contains the model and the control number "ETL 3090262."

The heaters can overheat, smoke, or ignite which could pose a fire hazard to consumers. Collins International has received seven reports of the heaters overheating, smoking, or igniting, including four reports of minor property damage to carpets and floors. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled oscillating ceramic heaters were sold at Menards’ stores nationwide from September 2006 through March 2007 for about $25.

According to the CPSC announcement, consumers should immediately stop using the heaters and return them to the nearest Menards’ store for a full refund. However, if there has been product damage or personal injury that may be associated with a recalled oscillating ceramic heater sold at Menard's, you should contact an attorney immediately.

PritzkerOlsen is posting this recall as a public service. The firm is not representing people who have sustained property damage that may be associated with this product. The firm does represent people who have been seriously injured by defective products. To contact PritzkerOlsen regarding a serious personal injury, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online free case consultation form.

Posted December 2007

Labels: apartment fire, fire damage, fire injury, personal injury, product liability lawyer