January
24, 2002
Value
City and Schottenstein stores, of Columbus, Ohio, are voluntarily recalling
about 2,300 children's gel candle kits. When burned, the gel candle can melt
the plastic candleholders included with the kit, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
CPSC has received two reports of consumers claiming the plastic candleholder
melted and started a fire. One report involved substantial damage to the
consumer's home, and a consumer reportedly suffered burns to his hands and
feet. The other report involved minor damage to furniture.
The Gel Candles kit includes four bags of gel chips in bright colors, wicks,
glitter, two glass holders, and two plastic candleholders. The candleholders
are in the shapes of a bumblebee and a dragonfly, or a tulip and a daisy. The
gel is scented in fruit flavors. The kits have model numbers "3041"
or "3042" written on the box. Other writing on the box includes,
"Express Ways!™ Gel Candles." "Scent- sational Colored
Gel!" and "AGES 8 AND OLDER." Value City and Schottenstein
discount stores nationwide sold these gel candle kits from July 2001 through
December 2001 for about $4.
Consumers should stop using these candles immediately and return them to the
store where purchased for a refund. For more information, call Value City at
(888) 870-9181 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the
firm's web site at http://www.valuecity.com/view_article.php?id=108.