Nearly 38 million fire extinguishers recalled for failure to activate

About 38 million fire extinguishers have been recalled across the U.S. Thursday.

Kidde 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.

This recall involves two styles of Kidde fire extinguishers: Plastic handle fire extinguishers and push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers.

The products were sold at Menards, Montgomery Ward, Sears, The Home Depot, Walmart and other department, home and hardware stores nationwide, and online at Amazon.com, ShopKidde.com and other online retailers for between $12 and $50 and for about $200 for model XL 5MR. These fire extinguishers were also sold with commercial trucks, recreational vehicles, personal watercraft and boats.

Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency.

The recall includes fire extinguisher models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. Kidde branded fire extinguishers included in these previously announced recalls should also be replaced.

All affected model numbers are listed at this link.

Call Kidde toll-free 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, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information.

One death has been reported in connection with the fire extinguisher.

Kidde said it is aware of the August 2014 death of a 22-year-old Pennsylvania man who was involved in a car fire following a crash. Emergency responders could not get the recalled Kidde fire extinguishers to work. There have been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including the fatality, 16 injuries including smoke inhalation and minor burns, and 91 reports of property damage.

Cox Media Group