A faulty box fan that cost between $12 and $25 has been the cause of at least two house fires and one barn fire that resulted in extensive property damage. Today Lasko recalled 4.8 million of the fans, which were sold nationwide between July 2002 through December 2005, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

An electrical failure in the fan's motor poses a fire hazard. The recall involves Lasko box fans with model numbers 3720, 3723 and 3733 and Galaxy box fans with model number 4733 that have date "2002-03" or "2003-04" stamped on the bottom of the metal frame.

Lasko is offering fan owners a free fused plug safety adapter. Consumers can get one to four adapters by calling Lasko Products at (800) 233-0268 or by registering on Lasko's website.

This is Lasko's second recall in two months. In February, the company recalled 107,500 space heaters sold under the Lasko and Air King brand names which were responsible for at least 36 incidents of overheating, half of which resulted in burn damage to floors or carpets.