CPSC and Tyco Fire Products LP Urge Immediate Action on Recalled Fire Sprinklers that Can Fail in a Fire

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Tyco Fire Products LP (Tyco Fire) are alerting the public again about serious, potentially fatal fire-safety hazards posed by the failure to replace previously recalled Central Sprinkler fire sprinkler heads that may still be installed in homes, residential facilities, and commercial buildings across the United States.  

The affected sprinklers, manufactured from the mid-1970s to June 2001, were originally recalled in July 2001. The recall was subsequently modified in May 2003 and closed on August 31, 2007, after millions of sprinkler heads were replaced. Minerals, salts, and other contaminants in water can degrade the rubber O-ring seals, which can cause the sprinkler heads to fail to activate during a fire. Despite a multi‑year remediation effort, and National Fire Protection Association standards requiring annual, 5-year, and 20-year inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire suppression systems, a significant number of unremediated recalled sprinklers may remain in service, potentially posing hazards to consumers.   

On July 13, 2025, a fire occurred at an assisted living facility in Fall River, MA. The fire claimed the lives of ten residents and injured dozens more. The facility had not replaced dozens of recalled sprinkler heads, despite identification during a prior fire-safety inspection. The fire underscores the need to remind facilities of the dangers posed by unremediated sprinklers and encourage remediation wherever recalled units are still in use.   

CPSC and Tyco Fire are strongly urging all consumers, businesses, property managers, and governmental entities to take the following steps: