Costco’s Long‑Sold Space Heater Pulled After Multiple House Fires

For almost a decade, the bright‑red, portable space heater that sits on many kitchen counters and garage shelves has been a quiet workhorse for budget‑conscious shoppers. You could grab one at Costco, tuck it into a box with a handful of other home‑goods, and feel pretty confident you’d stay warm through a chilly night. That confidence has taken a serious hit.

Earlier this week, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a nationwide recall of the model after a string of fire reports linked directly to the unit. According to the agency, at least eight residential fires have been traced back to the heater’s internal wiring overheating, some of which caused extensive damage and a few minor injuries. While none of the incidents were fatal, the potential for loss of life was enough to trigger the recall.

The recall covers all units sold under the model number HS‑2000, manufactured between 2015 and 2023. Costco, which has sold thousands of these heaters, has already begun notifying customers via email and in‑store notices. The retailer is offering a full refund or a free replacement with a different, certified‑safe heater. If you still have the original receipt, the process is straightforward; otherwise, you can call the toll‑free number listed on the CPSC website.

What’s especially unsettling is that the heater passed all initial safety tests when it first hit the market. It wasn’t until users started reporting odd smells, occasional flickering lights, and—most concerning—small sparks when the unit was in use that investigators took a closer look. The flaw appears to be a faulty thermal fuse that can fail to shut off the element when the temperature climbs too high.

If you own one of these heaters, the best move is to unplug it immediately and follow the recall instructions. In the meantime, consider safer alternatives for supplemental heat: electric blankets, oil‑filled radiators, or even a simple fan‑assisted heater with an automatic shut‑off feature. And, as a gentle reminder, never leave any portable heater unattended, keep it at least three feet away from flammable materials, and always place it on a stable, non‑combustible surface.