June 5, 2003
Weather Works Inc. is recalling about 2,400 units of its Ventilaire Electric Heaters. Internal plastic components can overheat and damage the wiring, posing a fire and electrocution hazard to consumers.
Weather Works has received one report of a heater smoking and starting a fire, though no injuries were reported.
The portable electric heater is beige, constructed of a plastic housing, and has the "Weather Works" logo printed on the front side of the fan. On the base of the unit is a sticker reading, "Model No. CH-601, AC 120V - 60Hz, 1500 Watts, Made in China, 4H39."
The units were sold at retail chain stores in Florida, such as The Andersons, Chase-Pitkin Home & Garden, and Florida Hardware, from June 2002 through March 2003 for about $20.
Consumers should return the unit to the firm for a full refund plus cost of postage. The heater should be mailed to: 2340 NW 102nd Place, Miami, FL 33172.
For more information, call Weather Works at (888) 269-9247 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).