Panasonic NN-SD969

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20120720-4CCFF-1260851. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: Panasonic NN-SD969 (Stand alone microwave). Incident: The consumer stated that on 07/16/2012 he heard a loud sound. The consumer stated that he was sitting approximately 12� away from where the microwave was located. He stated that he looked back and noticed that the towel that was on top of the microwave was burning. The consumer stated that the fire seemed to have started from the back of the microwave. The consumer stated that he had not used it that day and it was not in use when he heard the loud sound. The consumer stated that he can estimate the flame on the towel went up approximately 4� high. He stated that he noticed discoloration on the back of the microwave, burnt marks on the back tile wall of the kitchen and the burnt towel. The consumer stated that he grabbed the towel and he placed it in the sink to put the flames out. The consumer stated that he unplugged the microwave. The consumer stated that he was not injured. The consumer stated that he contacted the manufacturer and they requested for him to mail the microwave back to the firm. He stated that the representative informed him that once he mailed it to the firm; they would evaluate and get back to him. The consumer stated that he decided to take the product back to the retailer and they exchanged the microwave for him. The consumer stated that this product should be investigated for the fire hazard that it poses to the consumer.