The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Haier America have announced the recall of 67,500 Black & Decker and Haier chest freezers over a potential fire hazard.

According to the CPSC, a capacitor in the recalled freezers’ circuitry can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

There are currently 18 known incidents, including four reports of fires with minor property damage, consisting of smoke damage, damage to a wall, and food spoilage. Luckily, there have been no reports of injuries.

From CPSC:

This recall involves the Black & Decker® Model BFE53 and Haier® Model ESNCM053E 5.3 cubic foot capacity white chest freezers. “Black & Decker” is printed at the front upper-right corner or “Haier” is printed on the front upper-left corner of the freezer. “Black & Decker” or “Haier,” the model number, the unit’s serial number and other information are printed on a rating label at the top center of the back of the freezer. Only Model BFE53 and Model ESNCM053E freezers with serial numbers beginning as follows are included in this recall:

The Black & Decker brand freezers were sold exclusively at Walmart from January 2010 through September 2010, for about $150. The Haier model was sold through Amazon.com and other retailers from May 2010 through October 2010 for between $220 to $290.

If you own one of these recalled freezers, the CPSC advises that you should immediately unplug the freezer and contact the company to schedule an appointment for a free repair.

Contact: Call (877) 878-7579 between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Saturdays and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Sundays or go to www.chestfreezerrecall.com

Haier America Recalls Chest Freezers Due to Fire Hazard [CPSC]

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