Lasko Products Inc., manufacturer of home appliances such as fans and heaters, is recalling approximately 4.8 million box fans (similar to those frequently used in barns by horse owners) after an electrical problem in the fan’s motor has caused some of these fans to catch fire, reportedly causing several house fires and a barn fire.

According to a statement on the company’s website, affected fans were manufactured between July 31, 2002, and July 31, 2004, and "sold at major retail stores, home improvement centers, hardware stores, and other retailers nationwide between late 2002 and as late as 2005."

The models affected by this recall are Lasko model numbers 3720, 3723, and 3733 and Galaxy box fans model number 4733. These fans will have "2002-03″ or "2003-04″ printed on the bottom of the frame.

Lasko requests that anyone currently using one of the recalled fans discontinue use immediately and register their recalled product online or call 800/233-0268. Those affected will be provided with a fan protection cord adapter, which is designed to "protect against a potential hazard resulting from an electrical failure in the fan motor