Industrial Revolution of Tukwila, WA has recalled about 2,300 LED lanterns sold exclusively by REI because the wall charger plug can fail during normal use and pose a fire hazard.
While no injuries have been reported, the company is instructing consumers to immediately stop using the chargers, unplug them and contact REI to receive a free replacement charger plug. REI is contacting customers directly.
The recalled UCO Arka LED lantern, shown at right, can be used as a flashlight, a lantern or a USB charger. It has a red cap around the flashlight lens, a collapsible clear plastic lantern top and a black base with red extendable feet. It comes with a rechargeable 3.7V 4Ah Lithium-ion battery, a USB cable and a wall charger. The lantern is 7.7 inches tall and 2.5 inches in diameter. It collapses to 5.25 inches tall when closed. “UCO” and an image of a flame are printed in red on the base. There are two USB ports (USB-A and USB-mini) under recessed caps on the base of the lantern, just above the red ring at the bottom. The wall charger is a one-inch black plastic cube with a white-faced plug. Model number “A1265”is printed above the plug’s prongs and a small green dot appears below on the lower corner.
The lanterns were manufactured in China and sold from April to May 2013 for about $70.
