Blue Ember BBQ Recall

The Fire Service has recently been made aware of the recall of a consumer product that may pose a serious fire safety hazard.

CBC.ca News reports that Blue Ember BBQ grills were sold at a number of major retail outlets across Canada between November 2006 and May 2009 (Health Canada). Some 25,000 of these outdoor barbecues have been recalled after users across North America reported several grill fires, some of which have caused nine (9) injuries, including two cases of major burns.

The recall covers liquid propane and natural gas outdoor barbecue grills with the words “Blue Ember” printed on the hood. The affected barbecues are cabinet-style grills that come in two colour combinations - silver and black, and silver and grey.

Health Canada said in a release that if the affected grills are not assembled properly, the burner hose could be exposed to excessive heat, posing a possible fire and burn hazard.

The importer, Fiesta Barbeques of Brampton, Ont., is voluntarily recalling the barbecues in co-operation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada.

Only grills that have certain model numbers (FG50045, FG50057, FG50069, C1072-30744, C1072-30754) and have the serial numbers indicated below are affected.

Improper assembly is the root of the problem

The Affected BBQ

Consumers have reported 31 instances of grill fires in Canada associated with the use of the barbecues. Health Canada says 15 of these incidents were “possibly related” to the hazard involving the grease pan. There have been no reports of resulting injuries.

In the United States, there have been 161 reports of grill fires resulting in nine injuries, “including two incidents of major burns on different parts of the body, six incidents of minor burns, and one incident involving temporary hearing loss,” said Health Canada.

Health Canada has advised users to immediately stop using the recalled grills and contact Fiesta to receive a free new grease pan and assembly instructions.

“Consumers are also advised to not use the grill until the new grease pan assembly has been installed,” Health Canada says. “Consumers should also inspect the gas burner hose and regulator, which will be replaced free of charge if there are signs of damage.”

Around 25,366 affected grills were sold at a number of retailers (including Sears, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, The Brick Warehouse, and A & P Canada stores) nationwide between November 2006 and May 2009.

The grills are manufactured in China. For more information, people can contact Fiesta by phone at 1-866-956-0396 or visit the Blue Ember website.

Flying lanterns, although very visually appealing, can pose a very serious threat to your and your community’s safety. Fuelled by an open flame like a hot-air balloon, these small paper lanterns can pose a potential fire hazard.

Able to lift to extreme heights and drift far distances that are neither uncontrollable nor predictable, an ignited flying lantern can potentially cause a fire if it lands on a tree, building rooftop or other combustible material. With so many variables affecting their safe use, and recognizing the difficulties they pose in exercising caution, we suggest refraining use of flying lanterns whatsoever.
We encourage you to consider other decorative ideas that pose less potential fire hazards and will ensure everyone will be able to enjoy their visual effect with peace of mind. Always keep fire safety in mind, and have a fun and safe summer!

Ray Stone
Assistant Chief
Chatham-Kent Fire Department