There's a huge demand for portable power generators in the aftermath and clean-up from Hurricane Sandy. However 8,600 Champion-branded portable generators, sold exclusively at Costco, pose a fire hazard and are being recalled, warns the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The carburetors of the Champion portable generator may leak fuel and catch fire, warns the CPSC. And of the 11 incident reports of leaky Champion Power Equipment generators, eight of those involved fires from the faulty generators. In two of those cases, the generator fires caused additional property damage.

While power from emergency generators can be a comfort or even a necessity after a disaster such as Sandy, safety experts remind consumers of important power generator safety tips, which include the warning to never use portable generators indoors. To avoid a subpar emergency generator, consult Consumer Reports free online generator buying guide. (Other health and safety tips can be found on Consumer Reports coverage of disaster recovery.)

Consumers are urged by the CPSC to immediately stop using the following models of portable power generators from Champion Power Equipment:

Consumers may return the defective Champion generators to Costco for a full refund or contact Champion (toll-free: 855-236-9424 email: support 'at' cpeauto.com) for a free repair kit, which must be installed by a Champion Power Equipment Dealer.

Sources:
Portable Generators Recalled by Champion Power Equipment Due to Fire Hazard [CPSC]
Important Portable Generator Recall Notice [Champion Power Equipment]