SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20230316-2841A-2147348715. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Matched catalog product: Anker Anker 535 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) Model # A1366. Source model text: 535 Power Bank. Incident: As a Fire Chief and Fire Investigator, firefighters responded to a fire in a private, single-family residence for a reported structure fire. Upon the extinguishment, the undersigned conducted an origin and cause investigation for this fire loss. During the course of the investigation found that the cause of the fire was an Anker 535 Power Bank (power core 20K) with PD 30W Max Output, Power IQ. The power bank was not being charged nor charging any other device at the time of the fire any was found on the floor in the bedroom. It was obvious that the device experienced "thermal runaway" and internally exploded (photographs of the device are available by the undersigned). The device was left at the scene so private insurance company could see the cause of the fire. The homeowner reported hearing a "sizzling" noise and shortly thereafter a "boom". The structure filled with smoke and the device ignited Class A combustible materials to burn. No injuries to any civilian or firefighter. The homeowner purchased the device on December 7, 2002.