Kincardine residents urged to check if fire extinguishers part of Kidde recall

The Municipality of Kincardine is strongly urging its residents to check their fire extinguishers to ensure they have not been recalled.

Kidde has announced a recall that covers 134 models of push-button and plastic-handled extinguishers in Canada and the United States, made from 1973 through Aug. 15, 2017. The recall includes models that were previously recalled in March, 2009, and February, 2015.

The extinguishers can become clogged and fail to spray when needed. Also, the nozzle can come off with enough force to pose an injury hazard.

There have been 391 reports of extinguishers failing to work properly or of nozzles coming off, resulting in 16 injuries that included smoke inhalation and minor burns as well as one death. Also, there were about 91 reports of property damage linked to the problem. More than 40-million fire extinguishers are expected to be recalled within North America.

To check if your extinguisher has been recalled, simply visit the website www.kidde.com, go to the product recall icon and then follow the steps. You can also call Kidde directly toll-free at 1-855-233-2882 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays), or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekends.

If at any time you have any questions or need any help with this process, contact Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services at 519-396-2141, Ext. 5 for fire prevention officer Shane Watson.