Gas Valves Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

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Washington, D.C./October 2nd- Release #08-003

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Honeywell International Inc., of Morristown, N.J., today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 4,000 gas valves used in decorative stoves and fireplaces. The activation knob on the valve can be left in a position between OFF and PILOT, which can cause the pilot gas to leak and accumulate prior to burner ignition. This poses a risk of thermal burns to consumers when they light the pilot of the fireplace or stove.

Honeywell has received one report of gas accumulating and combusting resulting in a minor injury when the consumer lit the fireplace and the hair in the back of the consumer's hand was singed.

The recall involves gas valves used in liquid-propane-fueled decorative fireplaces and Franklin-type stoves. These stoves and fireplaces have direct pressure relief vents via a spring-loaded door. Fireplaces and stoves with a side or rear vent are not included in this recall.

Honeywell sold the gas valves exclusively to original equipment manufacturers for use in fireplaces and stoves from April 2004 through August 2007. Those manufacturers sold fireplaces and stoves at retailers nationwide.

Inspectors that see these valves should notify homeowners or their agents about this recall and advise them to stop using the product immediately and contact Honeywell for information on how to receive a free inspection and replacement valve.

For additional information, contact Honeywell at (800)939-4836 between 9 a.m. and 5p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's web site at www.nvp-hearth.honeywell.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please click here.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $700 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.