26,000 Fire Extinguishers Are Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The 99 Cents Only Store is recalling 26,000 fire extinguishers because they can explode, causing puncture wounds and blast injuries.

The company, which is in the City of Commerce, has received five reports of the fire extinguishers’ exploding in consumers’ homes, causing property damage, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

There have been no injuries.

The recalled “Firestopper” fire extinguishers are yellow with a black top and a red spout. “FIRESTOPPER” is written on the side of the extinguisher in orange.

Dollar-type discount stores and wholesalers sold these extinguishers nationwide from January 1999 through February 2000.

The panel advises consumers to discharge the extinguishers into plastic bags outside, in an open area. They should return the discharged units to the stores where purchased and obtain refunds. For more information, call (888) 289-3325 during business hours.