Recall: Brunton Outdoors Recalls Battery Packs Due to Fire Hazard

Description: This recall involves Brunton's Impel and Impel 2 rechargeable, portable battery packs that are used to charge cell phones, tablets, laptops and other devices. The Impel battery came in a rubberized shell in dark gray with orange or blue and the Impel 2 in light gray with black trim. The battery packs can be plugged into an A/C wall outlet, a 12 volt car charger or an attachable solar panel for recharging. They measure about 7.5 inches long by 7 inches wide by 1 inch thick. The lithium ion polymer battery packs have 16, and 19 volt outputs and a USB port. The Impel model also has a 12 volt output. Brunton is embossed on the top of the battery pack, along with the power button and five LED lights.

Name of product: Rechargeable battery packs

Units: About 1,050 in the U.S. (in addition, about 40 were sold in Canada)

Hazard: The power packs' lithium ion polymer batteries can overheat and catch on fire during charging, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled power packs and contact Brunton for instructions on how to return the product for a full refund.

Recall date: April 19, 2016

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received two reports of battery packs overheating and catching on fire; with one incident resulting in about $25,000 of property damage and another one in a garage burning down with property and smoke damage to the adjacent residence. No injuries have been reported.

Sold At: Adorama, Austin Canoe & Kayak, Moontrail, REI, The Clymb and other outdoor equipment retailers nationwide and online at www.amazon.com, www.backcountry.com, www.bhphotovideo.com, www.forestry-suppliers.com, and www.opticsplanet.com from February 2011 through May 2015 for about $300.

Importers: Brunton Outdoor Inc., of Louisville, Colo.

Manufactured in: China

Consumer contact: Brunton Outdoor at 800-443-4871 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or online at www.brunton.com and click on Impel Charger Product Recall the top or bottom of the page for more information.

Recall number: 16-148