Reno fire marshal warns recalled toy helicopter can ignite

Reno Fire Marshal Bill Burney today warned area residents that the Fun2Fly Microcopter remote-controlled helicopter toys imported by Soft Air USA Inc. are being recalled because the rechargeable battery contained inside the helicopter can catch fire during charging, igniting the helicopter and nearby combustible materials, posing a burn or fire hazard to users.

There have been at least six reports of the helicopters igniting, including one in which there was a minor injury, prompting the voluntary recall by Soft Air USA Inc. of Grapevine, Texas in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, according to a news release from Steve Frady, Reno police and fire information officer.

Burney said the recall involves about 30,000 of the remote-controlled helicopters that are manufactured in China and were sold nationwide at sporting goods and other retail stores for about $30.00 each between May and December 2007.

This recall involves the remote-controlled helicopter toy "Fun2Fly Microcopter" with item number 91001. The helicopter comes with a transmitter that controls and recharges the helicopter. The helicopter is made of foam and plastic and measures about 6 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches. The transmitter measures about 4 1/2 inches by 5 inches. "Fun2Fly" and "Microcopter" are printed on the packaging. The item number is printed above the UPC label.

Burney said anyone with the recalled toy helicopter should immediately stop using it and return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.

More information on the toy helicopter recall can be obtained by calling Soft Air USA collect at (817) 210-4181 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or e-mail the company at Bhook@softairusa.com , or visiting the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website, which includes photos of the recalled helicopter, at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08190.html .