Fans given away by City of Wilmington recalled

About 85 electric fans given to senior citizens in Wilmington are being recalled because of a potential fire hazard.

The City of Wilmington distributed the fans last summer, as part of its annual free fan giveaway, to help seniors keep cool during the hot and humid summer months.

City leaders say the manufacturer, Lasko Products Inc. of West Chester, PA, has not notified them directly about the fan recall, but a city staff member happened to see the recall announcement on the news.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recalling the fans because of an electrical failure in the fan’s motor that can lead to a fire. The CPSC says the fan has already been tied to seven reports of fire, including two house fires and a barn fire.

The recall affects Lasko box fans with model numbers 3720, 3723, 3733. Also box fans sold under the Galaxy brand name, model number 4733 that bears the date “2002-2003,” or “2003-2004,” stamped on the bottom, are affected.

The news report and the CPSC say those who own a recalled fan should contact Lasko for a free fused plug safety adapter. The company can be reached at toll-free number 877-445-1314 or online at www.laskoproducts.com.