2.1 million Black & Decker toasters recalled because of fire hazard

<br>WASHINGTON (AP) _ About 2.1 million Black & Decker toasters are being recalled because they can fail to shut off and could start fires. <br><br>Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miami Lakes, Fla.,

Thursday, February 7th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ About 2.1 million Black & Decker toasters are being recalled because they can fail to shut off and could start fires.

Applica Consumer Products Inc., of Miami Lakes, Fla., which made the toasters for Towson, Md.-based Black & Decker and sold the toasters under the Black & Decker brand, knows of nine reports of the toasters starting fires and causing minor damage to kitchen cabinets, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday.

The recall includes both two-slice and four-slice VersaToast wide-slot toasters. Writing on the side of the toaster includes: ``BLACK & DECKER,'' ``VersaToast'' and ``WIDE SLOT.''

The toasters, which come in white or black plastic, have model number T1200, T1250, T1400 or T1450 written on the bottom.

Stores including Wal-Mart, Kohl's Department Stores and Bradlees sold the toasters nationwide from June 1999 through January 2002. The toasters sold for between $10 and $30.

The government said consumers should unplug the toasters. For information on receiving a refund, consumers can call Applica Consumer Products toll-free at 1-866-264-9230.