Fire sprinkler recall announced

The federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a nationwide recall of Star ME-1 fire sprinklers.

Nevada fire Marshal Doyle Sutton said there have been no reports of malfunctions involving the sprinklers in Nevada, but the sprinklers must be replaced immediately since they could fail to operate properly in a fire.

There are about 60,000 of the sprinkler heads nationwide. They were made between 1977 and 1982 and have the designation Star and ME-1 as well as the year of manufacture molded on them.

Those sprinklers were typically used in locations where pipes might be subject to freezing temperatures such as porches and parking garages. But they have also been installed in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

The parent company American Household Inc. has agreed to pay $1 million to help with the replacement.

Building owners can find information about how to qualify for help in replacing the sprinklers by calling 1-888-551-5014 or on the Internet at www.starme1recall.com.

The recall follows a similar recall in 1999 of sprinklers manufactured by Omega. Most of those sprinklers were found in Nevada prison facilities. The company provided the new sprinkler heads for free along with $5 apiece to replace them.