MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release
Date:  June 2, 2008

Pickering Firefighters Warn Public of a
Smoke Alarm/Carbon Monoxide Alarm Recall

Pickering, Ontario – The Pickering Fire Services is asking residents to check their Firex carbon monoxide and combination carbon monoxide/smoke alarms after the Maple Chase Company issued a voluntary recall.

Sold under the Firex brand, a malfunctioning component in certain carbon monoxide alarms and combination smoke alarm/carbon monoxide alarm devices can cause the alarms to go into a “double chirp” fault mode in the presence of carbon monoxide prior to the unit going into full alarm mode. According to the owners manual, the device must be taken out of service when this fault is present and cannot be reset. Although no incidents have been reported relating to the hazard, it puts consumers at risk of injury or death.

Owners of the alarms identified below should contact Maple Chase immediately at 1.888.879.3906 to receive a free comparable replacement alarm and make arrangements to return their affected alarms.

The recall involves Firex branded 10000 and 12000 series alarms with item numbers:

10000  12200
12000  12220
12000C  12400
12000-6 12400C

The alarms were manufactured between June 1, 2007 and February 1, 2008. 16,000 were sold in Ontario.

Customers affected by the recall or with questions are strongly encouraged to contact Maple Chase by phone at 1.888.879.3906 or visit their website, www.firexsafety.com/stepone.aspx  for more information.

Pickering Fire Services emphasizes that it is the law to have a working smoke alarm on every storey of their home and outside all sleeping areas. Working smoke alarms provide early detection of fire and can give people the precious seconds needed to escape.

Anyone who has questions on smoke/carbon monoxide alarms or other fire safety issues are welcome to contact Pickering Fire Services at 905.839.9968 or visit cityofpickering.com