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A Christmas tree decoration is being recalled due to a possible fire risk after being sold at major retailers nationwide.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shared in a recent notice that holiday decorating company Mr. Christmas was recalling its “Wireless Tree Light Controllers.” The product allows customers to move a lever to turn a tree's lights on and off, rather than disconnecting the actual wire from the lights.
The red controller, consisting of a switch and a receiver, is being recalled because the receiver can overheat when plugged into an outlet, posing a fire risk.
Approximately 44,600 units of the products were officially recalled on December 12. Customers who purchased the wireless tree light controllers should immediately stop using them and return the product to the store where they purchased it for a full refund.
While there have been no injuries due to the controllers, Christmas said there have been 10 reports of the product overheating. One of those reports said the product caused a fire.
The white receptacle that is removed contains the words “Mr. Christmas”, with one of three model numbers: 39611, 39612 or 39630.
When the controller was sold at Walmart and Cracker Barrel, it was “shaped like a green, red, and white peppermint with a candy cane on/off lever.” It also said: “Christmas Lights Controller.”
Meanwhile, Target's controllers were sold under the Wondershop brand. It was shaped like a square with a red and white on/off switch, and red, green, and white balls as decoration. The screen says: “Tree lighting switch.”
Following the dismissal, Mr. Christmas President Leslie Hermanson issued a statement to ABC News about the importance of customer security.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we voluntarily engaged with the CPSC to recall these 2024 lighting controllers immediately after receiving reports of a small number of incidents with them,” he said of the brand, which has been in business for more than 90 years.
He added: “We want all consumers who have purchased one of these products this season to stop using them and visit our or the CPSC website for information on how to return their light controller for a refund. We note that lighting controllers sold before 2024 are not affected by this recall.”
This is not the only recall that has occurred this holiday season. Last week, a UK-based retailer issued an urgent recall warning over a defective Christmas gift that poses a “burn risk” to customers.
The Radley Cozy Up Mug and Sock Set has been recalled because the base of the mug could crack and break into pieces when used. Customers who have purchased the set should not use it as the issue could cause hot drinks to spill and cause burns.
