Christmas Trees Recalled by Walgreen

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued December 21, 2000
Revised January 4, 2002
Release # 01-060d

Company Phone Number: (847) 914-3973
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058

Note: telephone number change

Christmas Trees Recalled by Walgreen

PRODUCT: Christmas Trees - Walgreen Co., of Deerfield, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 9,000 artificial Christmas trees with fiber optic lights. The trees are 3 feet tall and are decorated with fiber optic lights, candles, and a star topper. The lights change from purple, to red, to yellow, to green to blue. The tree stand is gold decorated with a ribbon and holly motif. They were sold in a cardboard box labeled in part, "Professional Series Fiber Optic 3 ft. Tree." A picture of the tree appears on the front of the box. Walgreens nationwide sold the trees this holiday season for about $40.

PROBLEM: A color wheel in the tree stand that is used to light the trees can overheat and catch fire.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Two reports of the color wheel overheating and melting. No injuries were reported.

WHAT TO DO: Stop using the trees immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. Call Walgreen Co. at (847) 914-3973 for more information.