Story Published:
Oct 4, 2007 at 2:32 PM CST
Story Updated:
Oct 4, 2007 at 2:32 PM CST
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some businesses in the KY3 area may have fire extinguishers that don’t work because the company that serviced them didn’t do its job properly. The Missouri attorney general’s office says customers of Missouri Fire Extinguisher of Cabool should have their extinguishers checked to see if they have enough powder or pressure.
The owner of the company, which doesn’t appear to be registered with the Missouri secretary of state’s office, is Fred McNew. The Laclede County prosecuting attorney charged McNew with two misdemeanor counts of theft on Oct. 14 after an investigation by the Lebanon Police Department. The charges say McNew failed to properly service two fire extinguishers last January but state
officials believe there may be many more victims.
A reporter couldn't reach McNew or his company for a comment because there's no telephone listing or record of the company. Officials at Cabool City Hall and Cabool Area Chamber of Commerce said they have no knowledge of the company. His attorney, public defender Stacy Patterson of Lebanon, is in court and hasn't been available for a comment. McNew had to post a $5,000 bond. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 6.
Here’s an edited portion of a news release from the attorney general’s office:
The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office says some extinguishers serviced by the company, owned by Fred Lee McNew, may not be in working order, even though McNew serviced them and said they were. An older or inoperable fire extinguisher may not have enough powder or
pressure to put out a fire. McNew is believed to have serviced devices for businesses in southern Missouri from the Kansas line to the Illinois line.
“Mr. McNew's alleged actions have put hundreds and perhaps thousands of Missourians at risk of being unprepared to deal with a fire at their business or home,” Nixon said. “I encourage businesses who have dealt with his company to have their extinguishers checked out to make sure they have enough powder and charge.”
Any company concerned about its fire extinguisher should have it tested by a qualified professional.
Most fire departments can recommend a reputable fire extinguisher company.
Nixon says businesses can call his Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 to see if they are listed on McNew's records showing he serviced their extinguisher.
The Lebanon Police Department
received a tip in January alleging that McNew was servicing the extinguishers at
businesses and not putting enough powder or pressure into them.
Its investigation resulted in the charges last month. Detectives
say McNew was also visiting businesses every six to eight weeks but fire
department officials say inspections are only required once a year.
If you are concerned about your
fire extinguisher, there is a three-step test you can do:
- First, look on the dial: the needle should be in the green
area, which means there is proper pressure inside the extinguisher;
- Second, make sure the pin is in and secured with some sort
of plastic zip tie;
- Third, check the nozzle, especially if it is outdoors; many
times there will be insect nests or, firefighters say, even bubble gum stuck
in there; if it is clear, then take the tag and sign it and put the date
that you checked it and that will help a technician who comes in for a
yearly inspection.
