Samsung has issued a recall for the knobs on some of its electric stoves due to a potential fire hazard. The company warns that fires can be accidentally set off if pets or humans bump into the knobs. Several incidents have been reported where pets have ignited fires by jumping onto stoves and pawing at the knobs.
One such incident occurred in Colorado in June, where a dog accidentally set off a house fire by interacting with the stove knobs. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stated that approximately 1.1 million units are affected by this recall.
Samsung will be providing free knob locks or covers for certain slide-in electric ranges with front-mounted knobs that were sold between 2013 and 2024. The company emphasized the importance of this recall, citing the potential fire hazard posed by accidental activation of the range knobs.
The CPSC is investigating fires caused by stoves due to pets jumping on them or humans accidentally bumping into them. The agency highlighted incidents where houses burned down and individuals lost their lives due to fires started by range knobs being turned on accidentally.
Since 2013, Samsung has received over 300 reports of accidental activation by pets or humans, resulting in approximately 250 fires. Some of these fires caused extensive property damage, injuries, and even pet deaths. The CPSC does not have the authority to mandate product recalls, but companies typically cooperate voluntarily when safety concerns are raised.
Affected models can be identified on the CPSC website for consumers to take necessary precautions and avail of the recall services provided by Samsung.
