Note: Company telephone number change.

CPSC And Morrone Co. Announce Free Kit Fix For Smoker Grills

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Morrone Company of Macon, Ga., announced today a program to give owners of Morrone brand charcoal smokers a kit to close the holes in the charcoal pan to reduce a fire risk.

Since November 1992, Morrone sold approximately 35,000 Morrone Smoker and Grills, model number SG-1, that can cause a fire if used over a flammable surface such as a wooden deck. Using the smoker over a flammable surface is contrary to current warnings and instructions included with the Morrone smokers.

According to Morrone, charcoal water smokers typically have a charcoal pan with a hole in it, a water pan in the middle of the unit, and grills for food above the water pan at the top of the unit. CPSC is investigating other brands of charcoal water smokers that may present a similar fire risk. CPSC views all charcoal water smokers, which have exposed charcoal pans with holes that can allow coals to fall out, as a potential fire risk. The Brinkman Corporation and W.C. Bradley Co. have recalled grills for the same hazard. CPSC is also seeking corrective actions from two other companies and will announce these actions at the earliest possible time.

Although Morrone has not received any reports of fires from its smokers to date, the company is participating in this program to help prevent the possibility of fires. The recalled smokers were sold nationwide to wholesalers and retailers, including many mass merchandisers, for approximately $30 each.

Consumers should call Morrone Company at (478) 741-3980 for a free kit to close the holes in the pan of the smokers. To help reduce the risk of fire even after the holes are closed, do not operate the charcoal water smoker on or near flammable surfaces.