RECALL: Faulty dehumidifier could be a fire hazard in your home



APPLETON (WITI) -- A fire in Appleton serves as a reminder for homeowners across Wisconsin.

Andy Vander Heyden says he and his wife were gone for about an hour.

"We heard the smoke alarms going off. I tried to look through the window. It was completely black. So I ran to the back door, opened up the back door. I couldn't see a foot in front of my face, black smoke rolling out," said Vander Heyden.

Vander Heyden calls 911. The Appleton Fire Department put out the fire.

"And found what appeared to be a dehumidifier that was burning," said Lt. Lee Kasten of the Appleton Fire Department.

Gree Electric Appliances, a Chinese manufacturer, has recalled about 2.5 million dehumidifers sold under various brand names in the U.S. and Canada. CLICK HERE for the recall information.

Occupational Health and Safety reports more than 120 dehumidifer-related fires nationwide. Kasten says because of the damage to the dehumidifier, it's not known if it was on the recall list.

But as a precaution, the fire department will soon put a list of dehumidifiers in each of its trucks.

"If it's part of the recall, we can let them know. This way we can check for them, and try to prevent fires before they begin," said Lt. Kasten.

Vander Heyden says no one was hurt -- and two cats had to be rescued. He says it will be months before his sooty house will once again feel like home.