Originally issued December 16, 1998 Revised November 26, 2002
Release # 99-038
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Company Phone Number: (800) 655-2008
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Ken Giles, (301) 504-7052
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Note: Phone number, firm name change.
CPSC, Marco Alert Consumers to Gas Fireplace Recall Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Marco Manufacturing Inc., of Lynwood, Calif.,
re-emphasized the recall of more than 22,000 gas decorative fireplaces to
repair their vent systems. If the interior vent pipe separates from its connection
to the exterior wall of the house, hot exhaust gases can start a fire inside the
wall.
Marco and CPSC are aware of 22 fires involving these fireplaces. Several
of these fires caused extensive damage. No injuries have been reported.
The Marco gas fireplaces subject to this recall have a sealed glass-front
panel and vent systems that exit the house through the side wall. The
fireplaces can be identified by a six or seven digit model number starting with
794 or 797. These model numbers can be found on a label inside the unit's lower grill
door. Most of the fireplaces have model designations that include the letters,
"CCT." Older models have the designation "MGC36DV." The model
designation can be found on the owner's manual.
Gas appliance, and hearth and fireplace distributors and dealers sold these
fireplaces from February 1993 through November 1997 for about $1,000, and
the separate vent system for about $140. Most of these fireplaces were
installed during new home construction.
Marco already has repaired about 9,000 f ireplace vent systems since July
1998. All other owners need to stop using these recalled fireplaces
immediately. Marco will arrange for free repair of recalled fireplaces. For
additional information, assistance in determining if you have a recalled
fireplace or to arrange for a free repair, consumers should call Lennox, which bought out Marco, at (800) 655-2008.
Earlier this year, Marco agreed to notify all consumers who have these
recalled fireplaces and make the repairs. However, this alert is being issued
because not all consumers have been notified by the company about the fire hazard and repairs have not
been completed.
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