CPSC recall 05-238, announced August 2, 2005, covers DESA Heating Products Vanguard and "FMI" Compact Fireplaces (534 units). The burner tube connection to the gas valve can leak gas when the main burner is on. The notice cites 1 incident report. Consumers should stop using this fireplace immediately and contact your retailer to schedule a free repair. Recall contact: call (866) 279-3225, or go to www.desatech.com.
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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.
Check the product label for these CPSC-listed model numbers: VMH10TPC, VMH10TNC, EFS10TPA, EFS10TNA.
Which products are included?
The recall includes DESA Heating Products 10,000 Btu Thermostatically Controlled Compact Classic Hearth Fireplaces that burn propane or natural gas. They have the following model names and number: Vanguard (VMH10TPC & VMH10TNC) and FMI (EFS10TPA & EFS10TNA). They have serial numbers between 015200000 and 017400000. The model and serial numbers are on the end of the shipping carton and on the model data tags inside the lower access door of the compact fireplaces.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Model numbers
- 4 listed. Yours must match one exactly.
- Also in the notice
- Serial numbers. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
the end of the shipping carton
andthe model data tags inside the lower access door of the compact fireplaces
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- April 2004 through June 2005
- Price paid
- $639 to $912
Why it was recalled
The burner tube connection to the gas valve can leak gas when the main burner is on. This leaking gas can ignite, causing a minor flare-up, which could cause nearby combustibles to ignite.
Incidents and injuries
DESA has received one report of a minor flare-up of the fireplace. DESA has received no reports of personal injury or property damage.
Official remedy
Consumers should stop using this fireplace immediately and contact your retailer to schedule a free repair. If consumers have any questions concerning this recall, they should contact their local retailer or DESA.
What to do now
- Check the label. Compare your model number with the 4 listed in this recall, then check the serial numbers the notice lists.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (866) 279-3225, or go to www.desatech.com.
- 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
- DESA Heating Products
- Manufacturer
- DESA Heating Products, of Bowling Green, Ky.
- Product type
- Fireplaces
- Recall number
- 05-238
- Units
- 534
- Manufactured in
- United States
- Sold at / sales period
- Hearth shops, central heat and air conditioning retailers and gas suppliers nationwide, from April 2004 through June 2005, for between $639 and $912.
Vanguard and "FMI" Compact Fireplaces
CPSC product type: Fireplaces & Accessories
This recall in context
Compared with the 52 fireplace recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 534 units: the 38th-largest of 46 fireplace recalls that state a unit count. The median is 2,850 units.
- Hazard
- Fire: named in 35 of 52 fireplace recalls, the most common hazard among them.
- Time on sale
- 15 months. Recalled 2 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
Contact DESA toll-free at (866) 279-3225 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the DESA Web site at www.desatech.com
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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