Samsung is recalling the knobs on some of its electric ranges, warning of the potential for fires if they are accidentally activated by pets - or even humans.

Many videos have shown pets accidentally igniting fires by jumping on the stovetops and pressing the knobs. A dog in Colorado started a fire in a home in June by doing just that, when boxes placed on top of the stove caught fire. All of this was captured on the home’s security footage.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that around 1.1 million units are affected. Samsung will provide free locks or knob covers for some front-mounted slide-in electric ranges sold between 2013 and 2024.

"This announcement comes after reports that front-mounted stove buttons can be activated by accidental contact from people or pets, posing a fire hazard if combustible items are left on the stovetops," according to Samsung in a press release.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating the fires caused by ranges due to pets jumping on them or humans accidentally bumping them.

During a commission meeting in June, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said it is "aware of house fire incidents, and people have died due to house fires that started from the accidental activation of range knobs, whether from people bumping the knobs or pets activating the ranges. The issues affect both gas and electric ranges."

The recall noted that Samsung has received over 300 reports of accidental activation by pets or humans since 2013, leading to approximately 250 fires. At least 18 of those fires resulted in "significant property damage." There have also been 40 injury reports, eight of which required medical attention, and seven of those fires resulted in the deaths of pets.

Although the Consumer Product Safety Commission does not have the authority to force companies to recall unsafe products, companies typically volunteer to recall items that the agency considers unsafe.

Affected models can be found on the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website.

How to Stay Safe

Samsung stated that it has data regarding knob issues across a range of brands, not just Samsung. Anyone with pets, small children, or even a tendency to bump things should take extra precautions around gas and electric ranges.

Samsung advised customers to keep children and pets away from the knobs and to check that the knobs are turned off when cooking is completed. It also said that nothing should ever be placed or left or stored on top of the stove when it is not in use.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission also issued similar guidance for ranges, adding that customers with young children or pets should invest in knobs or safety covers.

Although Samsung said that ranges can still be used until the knobs are locked or covers are installed, the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the recall stated that consumers should "be warned to keep children and pets away from the knobs" in the meantime.

Samsung said that customers can visit this website, or call Samsung at 1-833-775-0120 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, or email rangesupport@sea.samsung.com to receive locks or knob covers for free.

The knobs already feature a two-step activation system with a "push and turn" motion.

Samsung stated that it is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and has already implemented safety features for the knobs in its latest models. Samsung said its current ranges equipped with WiFi capabilities can send text messages to owners when the stove is activated for the first time.