The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Wagner Spray Tech Corp. have announced a joint recall of around 300,000 heat guns that pose fire and burn hazards.

An electric component inside the heat gun can continue to produce heat after the gun is turned off, which can melt the product's plastic exterior. Users and combustible property therefore run a risk of being burned.

Recalled models include the Milwaukee Heat Gun MHT3300, the ACE HT3500 Heat Gun and the Wagner Heat Gun HT3500. The heat gun’s name and model number are located on a black label on the bottom of the heat gun’s barrel. The heat guns are black or yellow plastic and measure about 25 centimetres long, 20 centimetres high and eight centimetres wide.

They were sold at major and independent hardware stores throughout the United States between November 2004 and April 2009 for about $40 US.

Owners are advised to stop using the product and to contact Wagner at 1-888-925-6244 for information on how to get a free replacement.