Fire investigators say defective dishwashers are at fault in two recent fires, including a Pleasant Hill fire that took the life of a 78-year-old woman.
Dishwashers recalled in 1996 by Whirlpool and Kenmore caused two fires in the past two months, Contra Costa County firefighters said.
Faulty wiring in the door latches can cause handles to overheat and spark flames, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Whirlpool spokesman Steve Duthie said he was aware of the recall, but said he was unable to find any reports of major incidents associated with the recalled appliances.
Fire officials in Pleasant Hill, however, are fairly certain that one of the defective dishwashers caused a deadly fire. Mary Lee, 78, perished in a fire July 13 that started in the dishwasher, said Lisa Martinez, fire investigator with the Contra Costa County Fire District.
"It appears that there was a malfunction and something happened in the dishwasher," said Martinez. "That is where the fire started, but what happened in there and why it happened -- we don't know."
Kim MacDonald, 35, of Antioch, is the most recent victim of a dishwasher fire.
While at home Aug. 14 with her 2-year-old son Christopher, MacDonald attempted to run a load of dishes, but was startled when she heard "crackling noises in the kitchen and saw flames shooting out of (her) dishwasher."
Neighbors called 911 while MacDonald extinguished the blaze with a garden hose.
"It was really horrible," MacDonald said. "We could have died."
MacDonald, who has since purchased a new appliance, said she was unaware of the recall. Unfortunately, this lack of awareness seems to be widespread, Martinez said.
"My real concern as a fire investigator is it's obvious that people are unaware that these dishwashers can cause fires," Martinez said. "If people have these particular makes, models and serial numbers, I want them to stop using them."
"I am concerned for the general public," she continued. "This is a recalled appliance, but it's still out there for some reason."
Fire officials urge consumers who own these appliances to immediately stop using them.
RECALL INFO
Recall info: Release No. 96-133, May 1996
Brands: Whirlpool and Kenmore
Purchase Dates: June 1991 to October 1992
Units affected: 500,000 nationwide
Model numbers:
Whirlpool - begins with DU8, DP8, DU9 and GDP (i.e. DU8700XY-1)
Kenmore - begins with 665 (i.e. 665.1665591)
Serial Numbers: from FA2400000 to FA5299999 or from FB0100000 to F1B899999
Phone numbers:
Whirlpool - (800) 874-9481
Sears customers - (800) 927-1625
For more info: call U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at (800) 638-2772
Repairs and service are available for free through Whirlpool. Call 800- 874-9481 to arrange an appointment.
