More than 1.6 million refrigerators built by Maytag have been recalled nationwide since March because of an electrical failure in a relay switch which can cause overheating and pose a serious fire hazard.

At least one of the refrigerators caught fire on Maui. The observant homeowner called firefighters in time to prevent any major damage to her home.

David Cheng, Hawai'i's investigator for the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, went to Maui and examined the burnt appliance.

Many owners aren't aware that appliances they bought several years ago can pose a danger.

The recall covers refrigerators sold under a variety of name brands from September 2000 through May 2004 at prices ranging from $350 to $1,600.

Federal consumer officials said they don't have a specific estimate of how many of the refrigerators were shipped to Hawai'i. So they hope consumers will take a minute to check if their refrigerators are affected.

Cheng investigated the fire in Wailuku earlier this year. The first part of the recall began in March but was expanded several weeks ago, in late August.

The affected models include these brand names: Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand refrigerators manufactured by Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa.

A relay switch — the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor — is the problematic part.

By March, Maytag received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage. By August, the company had received 23 additional reports of problems, and four more of property damage

The recall includes certain side-by-side and top freezer refrigerators in these colors: black, bisque, white and stainless steel.

In the Maui incident, Cheng said the fire started at about 2 a.m. but the alert owner awoke when she smelled plastic burning. Firefighters searched the home and found the fridge was smoldering inside, and they unplugged it, Cheng said.

"She caught it before any smoke was generated," Cheng said. The woman bought the refrigerator in 2005 so it was neither brand-new nor very old, he added.

If you suspect your fridge is on the recall list, check the government Web site at www.cpsc.gov; you can also go directly to Maytag's Web site at www.repair.maytag.com or call toll-free 866-533-9817.

Don't worry; officials don't expect consumers to haul their refrigerators back to the stores where they bought them. Instead, officials say consumers should contact Maytag and schedule a free in-home repair.

Cheng worries about owners of the refrigerators who might be out of the house during the day at work or sleep too soundly at night and not notice if the appliance catches on fire.

"A lot of these are just smoldering," he said.

Cheng credits consumers for reporting problems with products. "We really appreciate consumers; if they don't tell us, we'll never find out about problems."

He was glad the damage in the Maui case was minimal and he's not aware of any other fires caused by these models in Hawai'i. "These things could be tragic," he said.

Cheng recommends that people check to make sure they have a working smoke detector and keep up with recall news.

Any time you suspect a fire problem with any appliance, Cheng advises that it's safer to unplug it until you've had it inspected.