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"Citronella Scented 33-inch Bamboo Lawn Torches"

CPSC Recall #93-079 - June 9, 1993

Recall Summary

Recall Number93-079
Recall DateJune 9, 1993
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 45,000

Where It Was Sold

The lawn torches were sold at various "Everything's A Dollar" retail stores nationwide. They can be identified by their bright yellow packaging containing the printed phrase "Citronella Scented 33-inch Lawn Torch."

Product

"Citronella Scented 33-inch Bamboo Lawn Torches"

Description

PRODUCT: Approximately 45,000 "Citronella Scented 33-inch Bamboo Lawn Torches" sold at "Everything's A Dollar" retail stores between April and July 1992. The torch is a 33-inch long, cylinder shaped, wax candle on a bamboo stake, which is used outdoors for lighting and insect control. PROBLEM: The torch may suddenly erupt or "flash", shooting flames and hot wax onto consumers in close proximity. WHAT TO DO: Return torches to "Everything's A Dollar" retail stores for a full refund. WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), "Everything's A Dollar," Milwaukee, WI, is voluntarily recalling approximately 45,000 bamboo lawn torches it sold between April and July 1992. The $1.00 torches, designed for temporary outside lighting and insect control, are 33 inches long, cylinder shaped, citronella scented, wax candles on bamboo stakes. The torches have the potential to erupt and "flash", possibly showering sparks, flames or hot wax onto people nearby. There have been reports of seven incidents involving burn injuries. The lawn torches were sold at various "Everything's A Dollar" retail stores nationwide. They can be identified by their bright yellow packaging containing the printed phrase "Citronella Scented 33-inch Lawn Torch." These torches are a "one time only" use product. Consumers should not use the lawn torches but should return them to "Everything's A Dollar" stores for a full refund. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this recall as a part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The Commission's objective is to reduce the estimated 28.6 million injuries and 21,700 deaths associated each year with the 15,000 different types of consumer products under CPSC's jurisdiction.

Hazard

The torch may suddenly erupt or "flash", shooting flames and hot wax onto consumers in close proximity.

Incidents & Injuries

There have been reports of seven incidents involving burn injuries.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should not use the lawn torches but should return them to "Everything's A Dollar" stores for a full refund.

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.

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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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.

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