CPSC, Heat & Glo Announce Recall of Gas Fireplaces

Name of Product: HEAT-N-GLO® Gem 36 and Gem 42 gas fireplaces

Units: About 7,800

Manufacturer: Heat & Glo, of Lakeville, Minn.

Hazard: Gas in the fireplace can accumulate prior to burner ignition. When ignition takes place, it can cause the glass window to shatter and create a risk of burns or lacerations from broken glass.

Incidents/Injuries: Heat & Glo has received 21 reports of shattered glass, including four minor injuries.

Description: The recall involves all HEAT-N-GLO® Gem 36 and Gem 42 direct vent gas fireplaces. The model number is located on the rating plate inside the unit on the base pan in front of the gas control. The rating plate can be accessed by removing the lower grille on the fireplace. This recall also includes Gem 36 fireplaces that recently received a replacement burner assembly.

Sold at: Dealers and distributors of Hearth products nationwide sold the fireplace from July 2002 through April 2005 for between $2,380 and $2,700.

Manufactured in: United States.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the fireplaces immediately and contact Heat & Glo to make arrangements for a free repair. To be sure that no one uses the fireplace by mistake, consumers should shut off the gas supply to the fireplace by removing the lower grille on the fireplace and turning off the ball valve (red lever) on the gas supply line.

Consumer Contact: For assistance in turning off the gas and arranging for a free repair, contact Heat & Glo at (800) 215-5152 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or log on to firm’s online registration page at www.gem3642.com or www.heatnglo.com.