This is part of a nationwide campaign to discard hazardous consumer products such as old disposable lighters, frayed extension cords, and recalled products that could lead to a deadly fire. Each year, over 3,000 people die and 16,000 are injured because of fires that start in homes.
Children are particularly vulnerable.
Each year, about 800 children under the age of 15 die of fire-related causes and about 500 of these deaths are to children under the age of five. In fact, children under age five have a fire death rate more than twice the national average. That's why everyone should do some spring cleaning and check through their homes for old disposable lighters, frayed extension cords, and other products that could be hazardous. Wayne, Richmond, South Haven, and South Bend fire departments are also taking part in this Recall Round-Up. CPSC activities have contributed to a decline in fires and fire deaths over the past several years.