Fire hazard spurs recall of portable heaters

From CNN Consumer Safety Editor Julie Vallese

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The government on Thursday announced a recall of 450,000 movable baseboard heaters due to potential fire and burn hazards.

Honeywell Consumer Products Inc. of Southborough, Massachusetts, agreed to the voluntary recall in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Administration (CPSC).

There have been 53 reports of the heaters short-circuiting. Two cases resulted in fire damage. No injuries have been reported.

The model being recalled is HZ-514HCP. The heaters are about 40 inches long, 8 inches tall and 4 inches wide; the name Honeywell can be found on the front of the heater.

Other ways to determine whether the heater is the recalled model is that there is a six-digit date code beginning with 97 on the back or bottom of the heater, a date code beginning with 8 or 9 stamped on the flat metal prong of the electrical cord's plug or a date code beginning with 00 stamped on the flat metal prong of the cord's plug and "TYPE I" or nothing stamped on the bottom of the heater.

The heaters were sold nationwide from October 1997 through January 2001 for between $30 and $50.

Consumers are being urged to stop using the heaters and unplug them immediately. Consumers can call 800-311-4204 or log on to www.honeywell.com to find out how to obtain a replacement heater.