Bel Air Lanterns Recalled Due to Fire Risk

Bel Air Lighting Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 99,700 outdoor wall-mount lanterns due to a dangerous wiring system, the company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday.

An electrical short circuit can occur in the wiring of the lanterns, creating the risk of fire, shock or burns. The Chinese-made lanterns were sold at Lowe’s stores and in lighting showrooms nationwide from June 2006 through May 2012 for about $48.

Bel Air Lighting, based in Valencia, Calif., has received seven reports of incidents, including two reports of lanterns catching fire. No injuries have been reported.

The lanterns are made of rust-colored cast aluminum with beveled glass. A piece of metal shaped like a question mark connects the lantern body to the wall-mount plate. The lanterns were sold at Lowe’s stores under the Portfolio brand with item number 253366 and at lighting showrooms with item number 44181. The brand name and item number are printed on the product’s packaging.

The lanterns are 19.25-inches high by 9.75-inches wide by 9.25-inches deep and have a three-light candelabra base cluster inside. Part number “E194303” is printed on the base plate and on a label affixed to one of the light sockets.

Consumers should immediately stop using the lanterns and contact Bel Air Lighting for a free replacement lantern.