January 15, 2026 – Consumers are advised to exercise caution regarding the Sunbeam SQ28225 heating blanket after an incident report detailed its power switch catching fire. The report, filed on December 26, 2025, highlights a serious safety concern involving a product manufactured by Star Elite and retailed by WAL MART. The manufacturer has not yet provided a response to the incident.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 26, 2025, an incident was reported concerning a Sunbeam heating blanket, model SQ28225 ITEM #13676. The report specifically states that the power switch of the heating blanket caught fire. Details regarding the exact circumstances of the incident, such as whether the blanket was in active use, its duration of use, or the extent of the fire and any resulting damage or injury, were not provided in the initial incident report. The report indicates a direct failure of a critical component, posing an immediate fire hazard.
Safety Concerns
The incident involving the Sunbeam heating blanket power switch catching fire raises severe safety concerns for consumers.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary and most immediate danger is the risk of fire. A faulty electrical component like a power switch can ignite surrounding flammable materials, such as bedding, curtains, and furniture. This can lead to rapid fire spread, causing severe burns to users, smoke inhalation injuries, and potential suffocation. Electrical fires can also pose a shock hazard to anyone attempting to extinguish the fire or handle the product.
- Long-Term Risks: Exposure to smoke from an electrical fire can lead to long-term respiratory problems and other health issues. For individuals who experience such an incident, the psychological trauma can also have lasting effects.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone using or in the vicinity of the heating blanket is at risk. This includes adults, children, and pets. Elderly individuals or those with limited mobility may be particularly vulnerable if they cannot react quickly to an emergency.
- Property Damage Potential: Fires originating from heating blankets can quickly escalate, leading to significant property damage, ranging from scorched bedding to the complete destruction of a room or even an entire home. The cost of such damage can be substantial, often extending beyond personal belongings to structural integrity.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Sunbeam SQ28225 ITEM #13676 heating blanket, or any heating blanket that exhibits unusual behavior, please take the following actions:
- Immediate Steps: Discontinue use of the product immediately. If it is safe to do so, carefully unplug the blanket from the electrical outlet. Do not attempt to use the blanket again or troubleshoot any issues yourself. If you observe smoke, sparks, or fire, evacuate the area and call emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
- How to Check if You Own the Affected Product: Locate the product tag or label on your heating blanket. Verify the brand name (Sunbeam) and the model number (SQ28225 ITEM #13676).
- Prevention Measures: Even if your blanket is not the identified model, regularly inspect all heating blankets for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cords, scorched spots, or unusual odors. Never fold or tuck a heating blanket when in use, as this can trap heat and create hotspots. Do not leave heating blankets unattended for extended periods, especially when turned on.
- Reporting Procedures: If you have experienced a similar incident or have concerns about your Sunbeam heating blanket, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.saferproducts.gov. You should also contact Star Elite, the manufacturer, to make them aware of the incident.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this post, the manufacturer, Star Elite, has not provided a response to this incident report. Consumers are encouraged to monitor official announcements from the manufacturer or relevant safety agencies for updates.
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.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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.