Jack Ward Fire Blog

Voluntary Recall: Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite Smoothtop Electric Ranges

jackward — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:05:26 +0000

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall for specific Frigidaire and Kenmore Elite smoothtop electric ranges. Approximately 200,000 units have been recalled due to fire hazard. According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, “depending on the model, the surface heating elements can: 1) turn on spontaneously without being switched on; 2) fail to turn off after being switched off; or, 3) heat to different temperatures than selected. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.” There currently has been 126 reports of incidents including two reports of minor property damage, and four reports of minor burns and injuries. Frigidaire has voluntary recalled the consumer products, and urge consumers to stop using recalled models immediately unless otherwise instructed. For further information and to view a full list of the models recalled visit www.cpsc.gov.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls 7 Different Vehicles

jackward — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:29:43 +0000

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has recently recalled 7 different vehicles. Each make of vehicle has been recalled for different reasons and have not been related to one another. If you are an owner of one of the vehicles below, you can find more information at http://www.safercar.gov/

BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC has recalled the model’s below, varying in years, due to the battery’s positive insulated bulkhead connector. The connector may have been incorrectly attached to the trunk floor panel. This can lead to the loosening of the bolt connection, which increases electrical resistance resulting in the overheating of the connection. According the NHTSA, BMW will notify owners, and dealerships will inspect and correct any problems if necessary, free of charge.
BMW / 5 SERIES 2004-2009
BMW / 5-SERIES 2010
BMW / 6 SERIES 2004-2010
BMW / M5 2006-2010
BMW / M6 2007-2010

FORD MOTOR COMPANY has issued a recall for the 2011 models of the vehicles below. According to the NHTSA the vehicles below are being recalled due to the Bendix ATR-6 antilock traction relay valves.”IN EXTREMELY COLD CONDITIONS, THE BENDIX RELAY VALVES MAY POTENTIALLY DEVELOP INTERNAL LEAKAGE. INTERNAL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO AIR PRESSURE BEING DELIVERED TO AFFECTED PRIMARY OR SECONDARY BRAKE CAUSING CONTINUOUS BRAKE APPLICATION.” The continuous brake application can cause the brakes to overheat and lead to fire, as well as causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
FORD / F-650 2011
FORD / F-750 2011

GULF STREAM COACH, INC. is recalling the models of the vehicles below, varying in years. According to the NHTSA the vehicles are being recalled due to the wiring within the raceway. The wires may not be properly secured leading to wear and potential heat development, increasing the risk of fire, property damage, and personal injury.
GULF STREAM / CAVALIER 2002-2003
GULF STREAM / CONQUEST 2001-2005
GULF STREAM / ENDURA 2004-2005
GULF STREAM / INDEPENDENCE 2003-2005
GULF STREAM / ULTRA 2001-2005
GULF STREAM / YELLOWSTONE 2001-2005

MACK TRUCKS, INC. is recalling the models of the vehicles below, varying in years. According to the NHTSA the vehicles below were built to operate on compressed natural gas, with the alternator ground cable running directly to the starter, which could cause an electrical short, resulting in a vehicle fire.
MACK / LEU 2010-2012
MACK / MRU 2011-2012

NEW FLYER INDUSTRIES LTD is recalling the models of the vehicles below, ranging from 2011- 2012. According to the NHTSA, “OVER TIME PARTICULATE DEBRIS CAN ACCUMULATE IN THE LITHIUM-ION ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (ESS), AND IN CONJUNCTION WITH MOISTURE, CAN BREACH THE ELECTRICAL ISOLATION OF THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY PACK. A CONDUCTIVE PATH CAN BE CREATED IF THE ELECTRICAL ISOLATION IS BREACHED AT BOTH ENDS OF THE BATTERY.” If this condition occurs, it could create unintentional discharge of the battery’s stored energy resulting in a fire.
NEW FLYER / XDE35 2011
NEW FLYER / XDE40 2010-2012

PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC. is recalling the 2012 model of the vehicle below. According to the NHTSA, an interface between the coolant line and fuel line may cause the fuel line to become unattached from the quick connector resulting in the engine misfiring, stalling causing an increase to crash. A fire may occur if there is a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition.
PORSCHE / 911 CARRERA S 2012

VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. is recalling the 2012 models of the vehicles below. According to the NHTSA the vehicles have been recalled due to an incorrect mixture of underbody coating and over-application, which can cause icicle like areas hanging from the vehicles under carriage. If these conditions exist, the coating in the underbody may penetrate the fuel lines and cause fuel leakage, increasing the risk of a fire.
VOLVO / S60 2012
VOLVO / XC60 2012

HP (Hewlett Packard) Recalls Over 1 Million Fax Machines

jackward — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:02:27 +0000

HP (Hewlett Packard) recalls over 1 million fax machines in the
United States, Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission announceed that over 928,000 machines were voluntary
recalled in the United States and over 240,000 machines were voluntary
recalled in Canada and Mexico. The HP fax machines have been recalled
due to fire hazard. According the cpsc.gov “The fax machine can
overheat due to an internal electrical compenent failure, posing fire
and burn hazard.” There have been seven reports of the HP fax machines
overheating and catching fire. Out of the seven reports, one incident
caused minor burn injury to a consumer, and one incident caused
significant amount of property damage. Hewlett Packard has urged
consumers to immeditaly stop using the machine, disconnect from the
electrical outlet and contact Hewlett Packard for a rebate.

Over 223,000 Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas Furnaces Recalled

jackward — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:02:43 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada recalls over 223,000 Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas Furnaces and were previously recalled in 2004. The recalled furnace was sold nationwide between 1995 and 2000 as original equipment in manufactured homes and as replacement furnaces in manufactured homes. The furnace has had 393 reports of the furnace overheating, causing the heat-exchanger to crack and create openings that allow flames to be exposed. Fire and smoke hazards occur due to drywall and other close by combustibles that are exposed to flames, though no injuries have been reported. The Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas furnaces being recalled are silver with white access panels. Located on the middle of the front access panel, are the brand names “Coleman,” “Coleman Evcon,” and “Red T.” The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada has urged consumers to stop using the furnace immediately until it has been inspected and repaired. Consumers should contact UPG Technical Services to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall.

Target Recalls Product Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

jackward — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:42:10 +0000

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, Target has recalled an estimated 55,000 LED Flashlight set due to fire and burn hazards. The LED Flashlight set consists of a 6 piece set, made of silver plastic with black rubber around the handle as well as the light base with a UPC code 490021010049. It’s been reported that the hazard occurs “when turned on, the flashlights can heat up, smoke or melt, posing fire and burn hazards.” Target has received notice that there have been a total two minor burn injuries and four incidents with the LED Flashlight set. All Target locations are accepting returns of the LED Flashlight for a full refund and consumers are recommended to stop using the LED Flashlight set immediately.

Safety Concerns and Warnings with CFL`s

jackward — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:41:21 +0000

There has been another recent warning in regards to compact fluorescent lamps also known as CFL`s. October 5th 2010 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions recalled over 100,000 of the Trisonic Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs due to fire hazard. Over a year later not all brands have been recalled but there are still safety concerns and warnings in regards to the newly designed compact fluorescent lamps, the bulbs that resemble a pig’s tail. The CFL’s were designed to replace the older incandescent bulbs because they use one fifth of the power while lasting 6 to 10 times longer. The issue with the CFL’s is their operating function; these lamps use electricity to heat an element that heats the mercury vapor in the tubes. When the vapor is no longer capable of producing light, the electronics of the lamp continue operating, leading to overheating, smoking and possible fires.

Origin and Cause Fire Investigator Needed-Immediate Opening in Southern Florida

jackward — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:45:05 +0000

Jack Ward Fire Consultants, LLC a leader in the fire and explosion investigation industry, has an immediate opening for the position of Fire Investigator in the Miami, Florida area. Prospective candidates must have experience as a full-time firefighter, full-time fire investigator, and courtroom testimony, preferably in state as well as federal courts. Candidates must possess a current certification as an IAAI-CFI or have the required training and experience to take and pass the IAAI-CFI test within six months of employment. Preference will be given to those candidates who have experience in the private origin and cause investigation field, are currently certified as an IAAI-CFI, and who have qualified and testified as an expert in civil court. Jack Ward Fire Consultants, LLC, offers a competitive pay and benefits package to include health insurance, 401K and paid vacation. Interested applicants should submit a comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae along with a list of testimony as an expert witness to careers@jackwardfire.com

Chevy Volt Fire Investigation

jackward — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:21:48 +0000

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation on November 25th regarding the battery in Chevy Volts. The recent investigation began when a fire occurred in a test facility in Wisconsin three weeks after a Chevy Volt crash test took place. After the crash test took place, the Chevy Volt was left un-bothered, but has been declared the origin of the fire at the testing facility. Since, investigators have tested two Chevy Volt Battery packs which both resulted in a fire. According to engineers at General Motors. Co., they are looking at ways to bolster the Volt`s frame to make it more resistant to side-impact crashes, the possible cause behind the failure in the batteries. According to The Associated Press, General Motors CEO, Dan Akerson maintains that the car is safe and catches fire long after a crash and only when the batteries are charged. There have been no incident or reports on the Chevy Volt causing fire after accident in real world driving. As a company it is our priority to stay on the forefront of news and fire recalls and we will keep our readers updated on trending topics.

The Importance of Education on Vehicle Fires

jackward — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:28:49 +0000

Our very own, Kevin Hays instructed a class on Vehicle Fires at the Florida Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention 34th Annual Training Conference in November. Kevin used a hot surface demonstration to show the effects of vehicle fluids when exposed to hot engine components. Through live vehicle burns, Kevin illustrated the burn patterns produced as vehicle fires developed in both the engine and passenger compartments. Live vehicle burn training benefits the fire investigator as he or she hones their origin and cause investigation skills as it relates to vehicle fires.

According the the NFPA (Nation Fire Protection Agency), there were 184,500 highway vehicle fires last year alone. With the 184,500 fires, 285 people were killed and 1,440 people were injured. The NFPA titles a highway vehicle as any vehicle designed to operate normal on highways. This includes trailers, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and automobiles. Though vehicle fires have dropped tremendously in the past years (from 465,000 vehicle fires in 1980 to 184,500 vehicle fires last year), education is the key to spread awareness on the concern with vehicle fires.

Congratulations to Sandy Ferrer on winning a brand new Kindle! Sandy, from Tower Hill Insurance was an attendee at the 34th Annual Training Conference.

JWFC Continues to Grow

jackward — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:34:39 +0000

Recently JWFC had the pleasure of attending the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Investigators conference as well as the South Carolina chapters IAAI Seminar. We provided a vendor’s booth for possible clients to obtain more
information about our company, and raffled off door prizes including a brand new Nook, and donated a Kindle to be raffled off as well. After receiving wonderful feedback and making contact with so many prospective clients, we are proud to announce that we have a new local billing office for the state of South Carolina. Our Investigator, John Stewart is stationed in Pawley’s Island South Carolina and will be providing service for the entire state. John had an illustrious career and after many years of training and experience he retired in 2008 as a Senior Agent in the Arson Unit of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Highlights of John’s career include an Inspector of the Year award from the State of South Carolina, a Heroism and Community Service award presented by Firehouse Magazine. As a company, we look forward to working with all of the great people we had the pleasure to meet at the recent conferences. See you on the fire scene!

For more information about South Carolina International Association of Arson Investigators visit: http://www.sciaai.org
For more information about South Carolina Insurance Fraud Investigators visit: http://www.sc-ifi.org/news.htm