CPSC, The Holmes Group Announce Recall of Tower Heater Fans

Name of Product: Holmes® and Bionaire® Tower Heater Fans

Units: About 180,000

Manufacturer: The Holmes Group Inc., of Milford, Mass.

Hazard: The power cord on the units can fray or sever causing the fan to stop working and overheat. This could pose a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The Holmes Group has received 98 reports of minor property damage to the surface under the heater. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Holmes® models HFH6498-U, HFH6500-U and HFH6500TG-U and Bionaire® model BFH3530-U. The recalled heaters also have date codes beginning with 2604 through 3804 for all units, except for Holmes® model 6500TG-U, which has date codes ranging from 2604 through 4704. The model and date code can be found on the silver label on the back of the unit. The heater fans are 26 inches tall; come in all gray, two-tone gray, or black and gray; and have either the word Holmes® or Bionaire® printed on the front of the base.

Sold at: Wal-Mart, Target, Linens N Things, Bed Bath & Beyond and additional department and specialty stores nationwide from July 2004 through June 2005 for between $40 and $90.

Manufactured in: China.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the heaters and contact The Holmes Group for instructions on receiving a replacement unit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call The Holmes Group at (800) 593-4269 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.holmesheaterrecall.com

Holmes® HFH6498-U

Bionaire® BFH3530-U

Holmes® Models HFH6500-U and HFH6500TG-U