News Release

ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE MCGRATH
STATE OF MONTANA

FOR RELEASE: October 24, 2001

CONTACT: Judy Beck or Lynn Solomon, 444-0582

FIRE MARSHAL ANNOUNCES WHIRLPOOL RECALL

HELENA - The Whirlpool Corporation recently agreed to recall 1.8 million microwave ovens and exhaust-fan hoods due to fears they may catch fire, State Fire Marshal Terry Phillips said Wednesday.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported it had received seven reports of the microwave-hood combination units catching fire, resulting in extensive property damage but no injuries.

The combination units, sold under the Whirlpool, Kitchen-Aid and Kenmore brand names, are installed above cooking ranges. They were sold in stores from January 1998 through September 2001 and were priced between $249 and $749.

The recalled ovens have serial numbers that begin with XC, located inside the door. Countertop models are not included in the recall.

Consumers should immediately stop using the ovens and unplug them, the CPSC said. Consumers should contact Whirlpool at www.repair.whirlpool.com for a free repair.

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