"Fireplace in a Box" Candle Kits

CPSC Recall #06-158 — May 8, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number06-158
Recall DateMay 8, 2006
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 78,500
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Chain and independent booksellers nationwide from September 2003 through April 2006 for about $8.

Product

"Fireplace in a Box" Candle Kits

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Running Press Book Publishers, of Philadelphia, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 78,500 "Fireplace in a Box" Candle Kits. The mini fireplace which houses the candle can ignite, posing a fire hazard.Name of Product: "Fireplace in a Box" Candle KitsUnits: About 78,500Distributor: Running Press Book Publishers, of Philadelphia, Pa.Hazard: The mini fireplace which houses the candle can ignite, posing a fire hazard.Incidents/Injuries: Running Press has received two reports of incidents involving the fireplace igniting. No injuries or property damage have been reported.Description: The recalled Fireplace in a Box kit includes a 2.5-inch high by 2.5-inch wide plastic fireplace that resembles stone masonry with a black mantle, a tea light candle to fit inside the fireplace, and a small booklet "Fireplace in a Box." "Fireplace in a Box," "Mega Mini Kits," and "ISBN 0-7624-1603-3" is printed on the fireplace's packaging.Sold at: Chain and independent booksellers nationwide from September 2003 through April 2006 for about $8.Manufactured In: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using this recalled product immediately and return it for a full refund to the place of purchase, or directly to: Running Press, 2300 Chestnut Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, Attn: Fireplace in a Box Safety Recall. Consumers returning the product to Running Press directly must include full names and addresses and can expect to receive a check within four to six weeks.Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should contact Running Press at (800) 343-4499 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.perseusbooksgroup.com/runningpr.

Hazard

The mini fireplace which houses the candle can ignite, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

Running Press has received two reports of incidents involving the fireplace igniting. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using this recalled product immediately and return it for a full refund to the place of purchase, or directly to: Running Press, 2300 Chestnut Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103, Attn: Fireplace in a Box Safety Recall. Consumers returning the product to Running Press directly must include full names and addresses and can expect to receive a check within four to six weeks.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.