Recall: Columbia Sportswear Recalls Batteries Sold With Jackets Due To Fire Hazard

Columbia Sportswear Recalls Batteries Sold With Jackets Due To Fire Hazard

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries

Units: About 220 (two battery packs sold with each jacket totaling 440 batteries)

Importer: Columbia Sportswear Company, of Portland, Ore.

Hazard: The batteries have a cell defect which can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report of a battery overheating that was discovered at its distribution facility in France. No incidents or injuries have been reported in the United States.

Description: This recall involves battery packs that power heating systems in jackets. Two battery packs were included with the following Omni-Heat™ Electric jacket styles: Omni-Heat™ Electric Wader Widgeon, Omni-Heat™ Electric Big Game and Omni-Heat™ Gale Warning Interchange. The black battery packs are 3.25 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 0.7 inches deep and marked with "Columbia" on the top and "OMNI-HEAT™" on the bottom of the pack. "Part: 054978-001" is printed on the side label.

Sold by: Columbia online retail for $79. The recalled battery packs were included with the jackets sold by Columbia online retail and outdoor and sporting goods dealers nationwide from July 2011 to September 2011 from $900 to $1200.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the battery pack from the jacket and contact the firm for instructions to return both battery packs to Columbia for free replacements.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Columbia Sportswear Company between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT at (800) 622-6953, email Columbia@custhelp.com, or visit the firm's website at www.Columbia.com/Recall