NORWICH – Local emergency management officials are cautioning consumers about purchasing unapproved fire extinguishers at local retailers, saying there is no guarantee the products will put out fires.

Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matthew L. Beckwith said concern over the devices was first raised through a memo issued by the New York State Department of State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control in late November.

Beckwith said the memo notified officials that many retailers in the state were selling the fire extinguishers even though they did not meet the state’s general business law requirements.

“It has come to OFPC’s attention that that fire extinguishers, that do not meet the requirements of General Business Law section 391-j, are being offered for sale in New York State through various retail establishments,” stated OFPC’s memo.

The memo goes on to explained “the sale of fire extinguishers in the State of New York is governed by the General Business Law, section 391-j which provides that is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell or offer for sale, fire extinguishers” that do not meet all the requirements of the state law.

Beckwith said he canvassed local stores and discovered some of the extinguishers being sold at the Walmart in Norwich. Beckwith also noted the store contained several other brands of fire extinguishers carrying the proper approval.