Target Reannounces Recall of Menorahs Due to Fire Hazard

What was recalled

In the spirit of the holiday season, many families gather to celebrate Hanukkah by lighting candles on a menorah, a tradition that brings warmth and light to the home. However, in December 2016, Target announced a significant recall involving specific Hanukkah menorahs sold under its own brand. This was not an isolated incident but a reannouncement of a safety concern that required immediate attention from consumers who had purchased these items. The product in question is a clear acrylic Hanukkah menorah designed in a distinctive pyramid shape. While the aesthetic appeal of transparent, geometric designs can be modern and attractive, this particular model posed a serious risk due to the material’s inability to withstand the heat generated by burning candles.

The recalled items are precisely defined by their physical dimensions and design specifications. Each menorah measures 10.5 inches in length, 1.2 inches in width, and 2.3 inches in height. These measurements describe a slender, upright structure intended to hold nine candles, which is standard for Hanukkah observance. The material is clear acrylic, chosen likely for its clarity and modern look, but it proved incompatible with open flames. To help consumers identify the specific units affected, Target provided detailed identification markers. Each recalled menorah features a round white label affixed to its side. On this label, you will find the model number 240-14-0169, along with a bar code. These details are crucial for verification, as visual inspection alone may not be sufficient to distinguish these specific units from other similar-looking menorahs that may not be subject to the recall.

The scope of this recall is broad in terms of time and location. Target sold these acrylic pyramid menorahs in stores across the United States. The product was marketed as part of the store’s seasonal offerings, specifically categorized under School, Stationery, or Seasonal items. This placement indicates that they were likely displayed in areas dedicated to holiday decorations and gifts. The recall was officially announced on December 6, 2016, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in conjunction with Target. At the time of the announcement, Target had received eight reports of the product melting, including three specific reports of fire. Although no injuries or property damage were reported in these instances, the potential for harm was clear and present. Consumers who purchased these menorahs during the relevant sales period should treat this recall with urgency to ensure their safety during the holiday celebrations.

The hazard, explained

When you are decorating your home for Hanukkah, the last thing anyone wants is for their festive centerpiece to become a source of danger. In this specific recall by Target, the issue lies in the material science of the product itself. The affected items are clear acrylic menorahs designed in a pyramid shape. While acrylic is a popular choice for modern home decor because it is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and affordable compared to glass or metal, it has a significant weakness: a relatively low melting point. Acrylic plastics, including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), typically begin to soften at temperatures around 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) and can melt or deform at even lower thresholds depending on the specific formulation and thickness of the plastic.

The mechanism of failure here is straightforward but serious. A standard candle flame burns at a temperature that can range from 1,000 to 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit (538 to 760 degrees Celsius). Even though the menorah is designed to hold the candles in place, the intense radiant heat and direct convection currents rising from the burning wick are directed upward and outward. Because these specific pyramid-design menorahs are made of clear acrylic, they lack the thermal mass and heat tolerance of metal or stone counterparts. When a candle is lit for an extended period, the plastic absorbs this heat faster than it can dissipate it. As the material reaches its critical temperature threshold, the structural integrity fails. The base and arms begin to soften, warp, and eventually melt.

This physical degradation leads directly to the fire hazard reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). As the acrylic melts, it does not just lose its shape; it can drip burning plastic onto nearby surfaces such as tablecloths, wooden shelves, or curtains. Molten acrylic is essentially hot fuel. If this dripping material comes into contact with an ignition source—such as the candle flame itself, a nearby electrical outlet, or even just enough heat to ignite a flammable fabric—it can start a fire. This is not merely a cosmetic issue where the menorah looks damaged; it is a potential origin point for a household blaze.

The severity of this hazard is underscored by the incident reports already on file. Target has confirmed eight separate incidents where the product melted, and notably, three of those incidents resulted in actual fires. While the CPSC notes that no injuries or property damage have been officially reported yet, the potential for harm is real. A fire starting from a decorative item can spread rapidly, especially in homes with dry holiday decorations like pine trees or paper crafts nearby. Understanding that the plastic simply cannot withstand the heat of an open flame helps clarify why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation, but a critical safety step.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate risk for this specific recall includes anyone who purchased or received a clear acrylic Hanukkah menorah with a pyramid design from Target during the holiday season leading up to December 6, 2016. Because these items are seasonal decor, they are typically owned by households celebrating Hanukkah. The risk is not limited to the person lighting the candles but extends to anyone in close proximity to the device while it is in use. Since the product is made of clear acrylic rather than traditional metal or glass, it lacks the heat resistance necessary to withstand prolonged exposure to open flames. This means that the danger is present from the moment the first candle is lit until all candles have burned down and the unit has completely cooled.

While the CPSC report notes no injuries to date, the nature of the hazard—melting plastic near an open flame—creates a disproportionate risk for certain demographics. Children are particularly vulnerable for several reasons. First, they may be more likely to touch or move the menorah while it is burning, potentially causing it to tip over and spread the fire to nearby flammable materials like tablecloths, curtains, or furniture. Second, children might not recognize the early signs of distress in the acrylic, such as softening edges or bubbling, until it is too late. Their smaller stature also places them closer to the heat source and any potential splatter of molten material.

Elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges may also face heightened risk. If the menorah begins to melt and emits smoke or catches fire, a slower reaction time could delay evacuation or the ability to safely extinguish the flame using a fire extinguisher or wet cloth. Furthermore, if the unit is placed on a low coffee table or sideboard, it might be within easy reach of curious hands or feet, increasing the likelihood of accidental contact.

Additionally, anyone living in older homes with outdated electrical wiring or limited fire safety equipment (such as smoke detectors that are not working properly) faces greater consequences from a potential fire. While the recalled product itself does not involve electricity, the resulting fire can quickly compromise home safety systems. It is important to note that while no property damage has been reported yet, the eight incidents of melting and three reports of fire indicate that the risk is real and ongoing until the units are removed from homes. Anyone who still possesses this item should treat it as an active threat rather than a decorative object.

• Hanukkah Celebrants: Specifically those who bought the pyramid-style acrylic menorah from Target before December 6, 2016.
• Children in the Household: Due to curiosity and proximity to heat sources.
• Elderly or Mobility-Impaired Individuals: Who may have slower reaction times in an emergency.
• Residents of High-Risk Homes: Those with older structures or inadequate fire safety measures.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you purchased a Hanukkah menorah from Target around the winter holiday season of 2016, it is important to take a moment to inspect your current decor. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a specific recall regarding clear acrylic Hanukkah menorahs that were sold under the Target brand. Because these items are made of a specific material and designed in a particular way, they can be identified with a high degree of certainty if you know exactly what to look for. The primary concern here is not just the brand, but the physical construction of the item itself.

First, examine the material and design of your menorah. The recalled units are made of clear acrylic, meaning they are transparent rather than opaque or metallic. They feature a distinctive pyramid design, which gives them a geometric, modern aesthetic that was quite popular during that time period. If your menorah is solid glass, metal, wood, or ceramic, it is likely not part of this specific recall. However, if it is clear plastic-like acrylic shaped like a stepped pyramid, you need to look closer at the dimensions. The affected products measure exactly 10.5 inches in length, 1.2 inches in width, and 2.3 inches in height. If your item matches these precise measurements, it falls into the category of concern.

The most definitive way to confirm whether your item is part of this recall is to check for identification labels. You should turn the menorah over or look at its side surfaces carefully. On the side of the recalled unit, there will be a round white label. This label is crucial because it contains the specific model number and barcode that link the product to Target’s inventory records. The specific model number you are looking for is 240-14-0169. If you see this number on the round white sticker, your item is definitely included in the recall.

If you cannot find a label or if the label has fallen off over time, do not guess. The combination of the clear acrylic pyramid design, the specific dimensions (10.5" x 1.2" x 2.3"), and the sale through Target during the 2016 holiday season strongly suggests involvement in this recall. However, because no other incidents or injuries have been reported and the hazard is tied to the melting of the acrylic under candle heat, erring on the side of caution is the only safe approach. If you are unsure, it is better to verify with Target directly using the contact information provided in the official recall notice rather than assuming your item is safe.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that the clear acrylic Hanukkah menorah in your home matches the description of the recalled product, the good news is that the remedy provided by Target is straightforward and consumer-friendly. Unlike some recalls that require complex shipping procedures or partial refunds, this specific recall offers a full refund. This means you are not expected to bear any cost for returning the item, nor are you required to keep it for parts or repair. The company has acknowledged the defect—specifically that the acrylic can melt when candles are burning—and has chosen to remove the product from your home entirely while returning your money. This is a significant benefit because it eliminates any risk of further fire hazard associated with the melted plastic and simplifies the process for you.

To initiate this refund, you must return the menorah directly to a Target store. The recall facts do not mention an option for mailing the item back or processing the refund exclusively through an online portal without physical return. Therefore, your primary step is to locate the nearest Target location. When you visit the store, look for the customer service desk or the returns counter. Inform the associate that you are returning a recalled Hanukkah menorah due to fire hazard. They will process the transaction and issue a full refund. It is important to note that while the recall was announced in December 2016, the fundamental remedy remains a return for a full refund at Target. If you have your original receipt, bring it with you, as this may expedite the process, but typically, store associates can locate the purchase if the item was bought at Target.

If you are unable to visit a physical store or prefer to gather more information before making the trip, you have several additional contact options. You can call Target’s dedicated recall hotline at 800-440-0680. This line is available daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time. Speaking with a representative on this line can provide you with specific details about any regional variations in the return process or answer questions about your specific unit. Additionally, Target has maintained online resources for this recall. You can visit www.target.com and navigate to their product recalls page by clicking on "School/Stationery/Seasonal." Alternatively, you may find information by visiting Target’s official Facebook page and selecting the "Product Recalls" tab. These digital channels are useful for verifying details or finding store hours, but they do not replace the need to physically return the item for your refund.

There is no repair option offered in this recall because the structural integrity of the acrylic has been compromised by heat, making it unsafe to continue using even if it appears intact. Therefore, replacement with a different model is not part of the standard remedy; instead, you receive your money back and are free to purchase a safer alternative elsewhere. This approach prioritizes your safety over retaining the product. By following these steps—returning the item to Target for a full refund or contacting their support lines for guidance—you ensure that the fire hazard is removed from your home while recovering your financial loss.

What can happen if you ignore it

When a recall notice arrives in your mailbox or appears on your screen, it is natural to feel a moment of hesitation. We often think about the inconvenience of packing up an item, finding a box, driving to a store, and waiting in line. It is easy to rationalize that perhaps the risk is small, or that you will just be careful next time. However, with the Target menorahs recalled for their fire hazard, ignoring the notice transforms a minor inconvenience into a potentially serious domestic emergency. The core issue here is not just that the product is defective; it is that the failure mode of the product is actively dangerous under normal usage conditions.

The specific hazard identified in this recall is that the clear acrylic menorahs can melt when candles are burning. This is not a subtle defect that might only affect the appearance of the item after years of use. Acrylic, while durable in many applications, has a relatively low melting point compared to glass, metal, or ceramic alternatives commonly used for Hanukkah lamps. When you place lit candles into the holders, the heat radiates directly onto the acrylic structure. If the menorah melts, it does so silently and quickly. The structural integrity of the base and the candle wells fails, meaning the candles can easily tip over. This is the critical moment where a decorative holiday tradition turns into a fire risk.

We must look at the real-world evidence provided by the manufacturer to understand the severity of this risk. Target has already received eight reports of these specific menorahs melting during use. More alarmingly, three of those reports involved actual fires. While it is important to note that no property damage or injuries have been reported in these specific incidents, the fact that fires occurred means that the potential for harm was realized. In a home environment, a fire starting from a tabletop object can spread rapidly to curtains, furniture, or cabinetry, especially during the holiday season when homes are decorated with additional flammable materials like tinsel and paper. The absence of reported injuries is fortunate, but it does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that in those specific instances, the fire was caught early or did not reach a person.

If you continue to use these recalled menorahs, you are essentially gambling with your home’s safety. You are relying on the product remaining stable under heat stress, despite evidence that it does not. The consequence of ignoring this recall is no longer just about losing the cost of the item; it is about exposing your household to the risk of a sudden, uncontrolled fire. The heat from multiple candles creates a concentrated thermal load that the acrylic cannot withstand. Once the plastic begins to deform, the candles become unstable. A tipped candle can ignite nearby surfaces, leading to smoke inhalation risks and structural damage. The convenience of keeping the menorah is vastly outweighed by the catastrophic potential of a house fire.

Furthermore, ignoring the recall denies you the remedy designed to keep your home safe. By returning the item for a full refund, you remove the hazard from your environment entirely. Continuing to use it keeps a known danger in your living space. The CPSC and Target issued this recall because the risk of fire is real, documented, and repeatable. Every time you light candles in these melted-prone holders, you are increasing the statistical likelihood of an incident occurring. Do not wait for one of the eight melting reports to become a ninth that involves your home. The safest path is to stop using them immediately and follow the return instructions.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a manufacturing defect in acrylic menorahs, the underlying principle of holiday safety extends far beyond any single product. During the winter season, our homes undergo a significant transformation as we introduce new decorative elements, increased electrical loads, and open flames into living spaces. To maintain a secure environment for your family and guests, it is helpful to adopt a proactive mindset toward seasonal hazards. One of the most effective ways to prevent fire-related incidents is to establish a "clear zone" around any heat source. This means keeping flammable materials such as curtains, bedding, paper decorations, and even dry holiday greenery at least three feet away from candles, heaters, and lights. Heat rises, and embers can travel further than we might expect; maintaining this buffer zone reduces the risk of accidental ignition significantly.

Electrical safety is equally critical during the holidays. Many households experience a surge in power consumption as they string together lights for both indoor and outdoor displays. It is important to inspect all cords before use, looking for frayed wires, cracked insulation, or loose connections. If you notice any damage, discard the item immediately rather than attempting a temporary fix with tape. Furthermore, avoid overloading electrical outlets or extension cords. Using power strips rated for outdoor use when decorating exteriors and ensuring that indoor lights are UL-listed can prevent overheating and short circuits. Remember to turn off all holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house; this simple habit ensures that if a malfunction does occur, it will not escalate while you are asleep or away.

For those who use candles frequently, consider switching to LED flameless alternatives for high-risk areas or unattended times. If you prefer the ambiance of real wax candles, always place them in sturdy, non-combustible holders that can catch dripping wax and prevent tipping. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep them out of reach of children and pets who might knock them over. Additionally, install and test smoke detectors on every level of your home and inside each sleeping area. Replace batteries at least once a year, or when you change your clocks for daylight saving time, to ensure they are operational. Finally, make checking for product recalls a regular part of your holiday shopping routine. Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website periodically to see if any items you have recently purchased or plan to buy have been flagged. Being informed allows you to act quickly and safely, ensuring that your celebrations remain joyful rather than stressful.