1,800 Golden State Warriors menorahs recalled due to flaming ball risk

Nearly 2,000 Golden State Warriors menorahs are being recalled because their basketball-shaped candleholders pose a fire risk. Nearly 2,000 Golden State Warriors menorahs are being recalled because their basketball-shaped candleholders pose a fire risk. Photo: CPSC Photo: CPSC Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close 1,800 Golden State Warriors menorahs recalled due to flaming ball risk 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

Great balls of fire! Nearly 2,000 Golden State Warriors menorahs are being recalled because their basketball-shaped candleholders pose a fire risk.

The Chanukah menorah-lighting tradition is already rife with a certain amount of danger and intrigue, but the Warriors-themed candelabras up the ante.

At last year's Jewish Heritage Night, held December 14 at the Oracle Arena, the Warriors gave attendees gold-and-blue menorahs embossed with Jewish stars and the team's insignia. The candleholders are shaped like teeny basketballs, and the shamash – the ninth candle tasked with lighting the others – looks like a ball caught mid-swoosh.

Apparently, those cute candleholders melt when exposed to heat, and if there's anything a menorah should be able to withstand, it's fire.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received one report that the candleholder glue melted, causing a fiery bouncing basketball scenario. The Harlem Globetrotters' menorahs might be able to pull off such stunt, but the Warriors' novelty items most certainly cannot.

CPSC says "consumers should immediately stop using the recalled menorahs," which is probably a moot point considering Chanukah ended more than three months ago.

The promotional items were manufactured in China and distributed by the Washington-based company Bensussen Deutch & Associates.

The Golden State Warriors did not immediately return SFGATE's request for comment. Might we suggest a yarmulke as next year's Jewish Heritage Night giveaway?

Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.