Menards Recalls Christmas Trees Due to Fire Risk

Menards, a chain of home-improvement stores in the Midwest, is recalling 1,800 pre-lit artificial Christmas trees because the lights may overheat, start a fire or cause an electric shock.

The artificial trees were sold for about $300 exclusively at Menards stores between September and November, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said. The recall is for the Twinkling Pine artificial tree sold under the Enchanted Forest brand. They were made in China and imported by Seasonal Specialties LLC.

The recalled trees are 7 1/2 feet tall and have 400 champagne-colored light-emitting diode lights. The model number for the recalled tree is 287-1261 and its UPC code is 741895425478. Both numbers are printed on the box and on a red tag attached to a tree branch.

Menards, which is based in Eau Claire, Wis., said it received two reports of the tree’s light strings overheating, melting or smoking. No injuries have been reported.

The CPSC said customers should unplug the tree immediately and return it to Menards for a refund.