June 17, 2026 — A consumer’s vehicle was engulfed in flames after a Greenworks 800 CFM blower and its lithium battery reportedly ignited in the car’s trunk shortly after being transported. The incident, which occurred just minutes after the product was placed in the car, resulted in a total loss of the vehicle, with fire officials identifying the battery as the cause.
Product Details
Product: Greenworks 800 CFM
Incident Overview
On May 28, 2026, a consumer reported placing a Greenworks 800 CFM blower, along with its lithium battery, into the trunk of their car for transport. The product had not been used that day, and neither the product nor the car trunk was hot. The drive home was very short, approximately one minute.
Upon arriving home, the consumer parked the car, retrieved their dogs, purse, and a bag, leaving the car door open. After taking the dogs inside and putting their belongings down, the consumer returned to the car to retrieve items from the trunk. At this point, smoke was observed coming from the open car door and the trunk.
A loud popping noise was followed by a distinct “boom,” and flames shot out of the trunk. The car quickly became fully engulfed in fire. The consumer immediately grabbed a hose to begin extinguishing the fire, mindful of power lines directly above the vehicle and a large tree nearby. The fire department was called, and upon arrival, they inspected the scene using thermal imaging. Fire officials concluded that the lithium battery was the cause of the fire. The consumer has documented the incident with photos, videos, and surveillance footage.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights critical safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries, particularly when stored or transported:
- Immediate Dangers: Lithium-ion battery fires can be extremely intense, burn at very high temperatures, and are difficult to extinguish. They pose significant risks of severe burns, smoke inhalation from toxic fumes, and rapid fire spread. The incident described involved an explosion (“loud boom”) and rapid engulfment in flames, demonstrating the extreme immediate danger.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond immediate injury, the primary long-term risk is extensive property damage, as evidenced by the destruction of the vehicle in this case. If such an incident were to occur inside a garage or near a home, the risk of a structure fire and significant financial loss would be substantial. There’s also the potential for emotional trauma associated with witnessing such a dangerous event.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone who owns or transports products containing lithium-ion batteries, particularly high-capacity batteries like those found in power tools and outdoor equipment. This also includes emergency responders who may need to handle such fires.
- Property Damage Potential: As shown, the potential for catastrophic property damage is extremely high, leading to the total loss of vehicles, homes, or other structures if the fire spreads. The characteristic of lithium-ion battery fires to re-ignite after initial suppression can also prolong the hazard.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own Greenworks 800 CFM blowers or similar battery-powered equipment should take the following precautions:
- Immediate Action During an Incident: If you observe smoke, unusual heat, or flames coming from a battery or device, immediately evacuate the area and call emergency services (911). Do not attempt to extinguish a large lithium-ion battery fire yourself, especially if you are not trained, as these fires require specialized extinguishing agents and techniques. Your personal safety is paramount.
- Product Identification: If you own a Greenworks 800 CFM blower or other Greenworks battery-powered tools, inspect the battery for any signs of damage, swelling, leakage, or unusual discoloration.
- Prevention Measures:
- Proper Storage: Store lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and flammable materials. Avoid storing them in enclosed spaces like car trunks for extended periods, especially in hot weather or where they could be easily damaged.
- Safe Transport: When transporting batteries, ensure they are secured to prevent movement and potential impact damage. Consider using a dedicated battery case or non-conductive, fire-resistant bag.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect batteries for any physical damage, dents, punctures, or swelling. If a battery appears damaged or deformed, discontinue use immediately and dispose of it properly.
- Charging Practices: Always use the charger specifically designed for your battery by the manufacturer. Avoid overcharging or charging batteries in unattended areas.
- Disposal: Dispose of damaged, old, or recalled lithium-ion batteries at designated hazardous waste collection sites or battery recycling centers. Do not throw them in household trash.
- Reporting Incidents: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential safety hazard with a product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov and the manufacturer.
Manufacturer’s Response
On June 15, 2026, Sunrise Global Marketing / Greenworks Tools provided a response stating: “Greenworks takes this matter seriously and is actively investigating the consumer’s allegations. At this time, Greenworks cannot confirm that a Greenworks product caused or contributed to the reported fire or resulting damage. An inspection of the subject product and vehicle is being arranged as part of the ongoing investigation, and Greenworks will provide an update to the CPSC upon completion of that analysis. Greenworks also notes that potential spoliation issues exist, as the fire scene and surrounding materials were moved and altered before Greenworks had an opportunity to conduct an inspection, which may limit the ability to determine causation.”
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.