RedMax/Komatsu Zenoah America Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is voluntarily recalling approximately 170,000 gas powered backpack blowers.

The muffler support bracket can break, creating an opening in the muffler body. Hot exhaust gases can then escape from the muffler, and can melt the fuel tank or ignite grease, oil or debris around the fuel tank. This poses a fire hazard.

The blowers are red and black with a white fuel tank. Model numbers EB6200, EB7000, EB7001 or EB7001RH can be found on the blower bodies, along with “RedMax”, “Zenoah” and “Komatsu”. The blowers were sold by RedMax dealers nationwide from December 1996 through December 2005.

Use of these blowers should be stopped immediately and RedMax contacted for the closest dealer location. Dealers will schedule a free inspection and free repair if necessary. Owners who have registered their blowers will receive direct notification of this recall from RedMax.

For more information, call RedMax at 866.217.4152 or visit www.redmax.com.