FDA Alerts
U.S. Recall Warning: Fire Sprinklers May Fail During Fires
Washington, DC – Federal safety officials are renewing an urgent nationwide warning about previously recalled fire sprinkler heads that may still be installed in homes, residential facilities and comm
By Cameron Hayes · 2026-09-28T19:54:07.470Z
Washington, DC – Federal safety officials are renewing an urgent nationwide warning about previously recalled fire sprinkler heads that may still be installed in homes, residential facilities and commercial buildings and could fail during a fire.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Tyco Fire Products LP, affected Central fire sprinkler heads were manufactured from the mid 1970s through June 2001. The original recall began in July 2001 and was later modified before closing in August 2007 after millions of sprinkler heads were replaced.
Officials say minerals, salts and other contaminants in water can degrade rubber O ring seals inside affected sprinklers. That deterioration can prevent a sprinkler head from activating properly during a fire.
Despite the earlier recall and years of remediation, CPSC and Tyco said a significant number of affected sprinkler heads may still remain in service across the United States.
The renewed warning follows a July 13, 2025, fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, that killed 10 residents and injured dozens. Federal officials said dozens of recalled sprinkler heads at the facility had not been replaced despite being identified during an earlier fire safety inspection. The warning does not state that the recalled sprinklers caused the fire.
CPSC and Tyco are urging property owners and managers to inspect all building fire sprinklers immediately , replace affected units using a qualified fire protection professional and review past maintenance records for previously identified recalled heads.
Officials are also asking schools, hospitals, nursing homes, residential facilities and managers of older buildings to give the issue particular attention.
Affected sprinklers may carry identifying markings including "CENTRAL" and "GB."