CPSC recall 00-188, announced September 27, 2000, covers BRK Brands First Alert fire extinguishers (about 600,000 units). The extinguishers can fail to discharge when the trigger is activated, failing to put out a fire, which puts consumers at risk of fire-related injuries. The notice cites 5 incident reports. Consumers with recalled fire extinguishers should contact First Alert to receive a coupon for a new extinguisher. Recall contact: call (866) 669-2736, or go to www.firstalert.com/more_information/index.htm.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
Affected model numbers
The serial number is located on the extinguisher's label, above the model number in a rectangular box.
Which products are included?
Only First Alert model FE1A10G with serial numbers beginning with: RH, RK, RL, RP, RT, RU, or RW are included in this recall. The serial number is located on the extinguisher's label, above the model number in a rectangular box. "First Alert" is written on the units' label and pressure gauge. The fire extinguishers are either red or white.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- One listed. Yours must match it exactly.
- Also in the notice
- Serial numbers. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the extinguisher's label
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- September 1999 through September 2000
- Price paid
- $9 to $15
Why it was recalled
The extinguishers can fail to discharge when the trigger is activated, failing to put out a fire, which puts consumers at risk of fire-related injuries.
Incidents and injuries
CPSC and BRK have received five reports from consumers of the fire extinguishers failing to discharge when activated. No injuries have been reported.
Official remedy
Consumers with recalled fire extinguishers should contact First Alert to receive a coupon for a new extinguisher.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the one listed in this recall, then check the serial numbers the notice lists.
- Contact the firm. Call (866) 669-2736, or go to www.firstalert.com/more_information/index.htm.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- BRK Brands
- Manufacturer
- BRK Brands Inc., of Aurora, Ill.
- Product type
- Fire extinguishers
- Recall number
- 00-188
- Units
- About 600,000
- Sold at / sales period
- Home centers, mass merchandisers, and hardware stores nationwide sold the fire extinguishers, from September 1999 through September 2000, for between $9 and $15.
First Alert fire extinguishers
CPSC product type: Fire Extinguishers
This recall in context
Compared with the 8 fire extinguisher recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 600,000 units: the 3rd-largest of 7 fire extinguisher recalls that state a unit count. The median is 167,000 units.
- Hazard
- Fire: named in 7 of 8 fire extinguisher recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Brand history
- BRK Brands is named in 2 CPSC notices in this index, from 2000 to 2006. This recall is the earliest.
- Time on sale
- 13 months. Recalled the same month the notice says sales ended.
Recall contact information
Consumers with recalled fire extinguishers may contact First Alert at (866) 669-2736 anytime or visit the First Alert website at http://www.firstalert.com/more_information/index.htm
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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