Release #018-97

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958, Shonna Keogan (212) 487-4283(DCA)
or Bob Leonard (718) 694-2956(FDNY)

"All of us should learn a valuable less lesson from Tuesday's fire which disrupted the lives of hundreds of New Yorkers: halogen lamps can be very dangerous," said Mayor Giuliani. " I urge all consumers, who own or are planning to purchase a halogen lamp to read the manufacturer's instructions and warnings before operating them and please, follow the safety tips we are releasing today."

"It's truly terrifying that by simply turning on a lamp, your entire house or apartment can go up in flames, literally in seconds," said Commissioner Maldonado. "Fortunately, design modifications will be made to halogen lamps manufactured after February, 1997, to ensure stricter safety requirements. Nevertheless, those who already have or are thinking of purchasing a halogen lamp should exercise the utmost caution -- or perhaps think about moving it or trading it in for a safer model."

"Tuesday's tragic five alarm blaze illustrated the need to be aware of the potential fire hazards associated with use of these types of halogen lamps,," said Fire Commissioner Von Essen. "These lamps, like any other electrical appliance, need to be properly maintained and operated with an emphasis on fire safety concern. All fires are tragic, but preventable fires that endanger the lives of citizens and firefighters are truly unneccessary disasters."

Unlike conventional light bulbs, which burn at 340 degrees Fahrenheit, 300 watt halogen bulbs can reach temperatures as high as 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and 500-watt bulbs -- recently recalled due to safety considerations, though still in many people's homes -- can reach temperatures of up to 1,200. Due to these uncommonly high temperatures, contact with or proximity to curtains, clothes and other flammable material can start fires. Official reports indicate that at least 100 fires in the U.S. are directly attributable to halogen lamps, though it is believed many others may have gone unreported.

Commissioner Maldonado offered the following safety tips regarding the use of halogen lamps:

• Every halogen lamp should enclose the filament in a heat-resistant material, such as quartz; the bulb should be in a second glass shell. If your lamp does not have the "bulb within a bulb," don't use it;

• Do not place halogen lamps in bedrooms or playrooms, or in any location easily accessible to children and pets;

• Do not place halogen lamps in any location in the home where they may be prone to tipping over;

• When possible, always use the dimmer switch to operate the lamp at its lowest level possible; never put it on the highest voltage;

• Never operate any lamp or appliance with missing or damaged parts or components;

• Never use a bulb of a different style or a higher wattage than recommended by the manufacturer;

• Never place the lamp where it could come in contact with paper (which ignites at 340 degrees Fahrenheit), wood or any type of cloth (which both ignite at 640 degrees Fahrenheit);

• Never leave the lamp on when you leave the house;

• Never touch the bulb, even when not in use;

• Periodically clean the bulb encasement, but only after the lamp has not been in use for 24 hours;

• Never drape clothes over the halogen lamp;

• Keep halogen lamps away from elevated beds, such as bunk beds;

• Avoid contact with water;

• Read any safety warnings and markings accompanying the lamp;

"To ensure their own safety, and that of their family, consumers should follow the above listed tips closely, and check to make sure the bulb they are using is no higher than 300 watts," added Commissioner Maldonado.