CPSC, Michael's Stores Inc. Announce Recall of Lighters

March 9, 2000Release # 00-076 Company Phone Number: (877) 562-3816 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076 CPSC, Michael's Stores Inc. Announce Recall of Lighters WASHINGTON D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Michael's Stores Inc., of Irving, Texas, is recalling about 213,000 all-purpose lighters. These lighters can leak butane when they are ignited, causing an excessive burst of flame from the tip or other areas of the lighter. This presents a risk of fire and burn injuries to consumers. Michael's Stores Inc. has received 14 reports of excessive flame, resulting in three reports of burns to consumers' hands. The recalled all-purpose lighters are refillable and contain butane. They are about 9 inches long and have a white plastic base; red, green or blue plastic handle with a black plastic trigger and on/off switch; and a metal barrel. A yellow label is affixed to the handle and reads in part, "DANGER: EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE...MADE IN CHINA." The lighters were packaged in a cardboard display sleeve under the brand name Handy Home. The brand name is not on the lighter