Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
Generac is recalling around 64,000 generators that pose a fire and burn hazard
Generac has recalled two types of portable generators that pose a fire and burn risk.
(
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
)
Generac Power Systems announced it's recalling around 64,000 portable generators that can malfunction and injure users. At least three severe burn injuries have been reported.
"The recalled generators' fuel tank can fail to vent adequately from the rollover valve, causing the gas tank to build up excess pressure and expel fuel when opened, posing fire and burn hazards," the company said in a press release.
The recall includes portable generator types GP15000E and GP17500E with various model numbers that can be found on Generac's website. Both the unit type and model number are printed on the generator.
The Wisconsin-based manufacturer is urging consumers to immediately stop using the affected generators and contact the company for a free repair kit, which can take six to eight weeks to arrive.
Support for LAist comes from
Generac said it has gotten reports of at least 27 incidents of the recalled generators "overheating and pressurizing or expelling fuel when opened."
Three of those incidents left people with severe burns.
The affected products were sold online and in person at home improvement and hardware stores from April 2011 through June 2023 and cost between $3,300 and $3,650, Generac said.
The recall was issued in conjunction with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In May, the CPSC announced that Generac agreed to pay a $15.8 million civil penalty for failing to immediately report to the agency that 32 of its portable generator models had a defect that could crush or partially amputate users' fingers.
Sales of both portable and permanent generators have surged in recent years, due in part to concerns over the power grid, climate change and even COVID.
But experts say it's crucial to operate generators safely — such as not using the machines indoors or in partially-enclosed areas — to avoid the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
Support for LAist comes from
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist