February 9, 2026 — A DeLonghi oil-filled radiant heater reportedly malfunctioned, spraying oil and erupting into 5-foot flames in a dining area on January 13, 2026. The incident, fortunately, occurred while residents were home, allowing for the fire to be extinguished, though not without burn damage to a rug and significant residue from the extinguisher.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On January 13, 2026, a DeLonghi oil-filled radiant heater, which had been in continuous operation for approximately two weeks in a dining area, experienced a catastrophic failure. The heater, set at 85 degrees Fahrenheit, began to spray oil before catching fire, producing flames reportedly reaching five feet in height. The quick actions of the occupants, who were fortunately present at the time, led to the fire being extinguished. While the immediate danger was averted, the incident resulted in burn damage to the rug where the heater was located and left extensive extinguisher residue throughout the area. The product’s identification plate was reportedly destroyed in the fire, making the specific model difficult to ascertain from the incident report.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights severe safety concerns associated with defective or malfunctioning radiant oil-filled heaters:
- Immediate dangers: The most immediate and terrifying danger is fire. Flames of five feet indicate a rapidly escalating and potentially devastating blaze that could quickly spread to surrounding furnishings, walls, and other parts of a home. Such fires pose a critical risk of severe burns, smoke inhalation, and, in worst-case scenarios, fatalities. The reported “oil spray” further exacerbates the fire risk, as atomized oil can act as a fuel source, accelerating flame spread.
- Long-term risks: Even if a fire is extinguished, the long-term risks are significant. Smoke and soot damage can permeate a home, causing respiratory issues for occupants, and requiring extensive, costly remediation. Structural damage from fire can compromise the integrity of a dwelling. The trauma of experiencing a home fire can also have lasting psychological effects on individuals and families.
- Who might be affected: Anyone in the immediate vicinity of a malfunctioning heater is at risk. This includes residents, pets, and even first responders called to the scene. The risk is particularly high for children, the elderly, or individuals with mobility issues who may not be able to react quickly to a developing fire.
- Property damage potential: As evidenced by the burned rug and extinguisher residue, the potential for property damage is substantial. A heater fire can destroy personal belongings, furniture, flooring, and cause significant structural damage to a home. Beyond fire damage, the use of chemical extinguishers can cause further damage to electronics, fabrics, and air quality.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own DeLonghi oil-filled radiant heaters, or any portable heater, should take immediate precautions:
- Immediate Steps in Case of Fire: If a heater starts to spark, smoke, spray fluid, or catch fire, immediately evacuate the area, close the door to contain the fire if safe to do so, and call 911 (or your local emergency number) from a safe location. Do not attempt to extinguish a significant fire yourself, especially if it involves electrical components or flammable liquids, unless you have proper training and equipment and the fire is small and contained.
- Checking Your Product: While the specific model in this incident is unknown, consumers should exercise caution with any DeLonghi oil-filled radiant heater, particularly older models. Check your heater for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, unusual noises, or discolored components. Look for any visible identification plates to determine the model number.
- Prevention Measures:
- Placement: Always place portable heaters on a level, hard, non-flammable surface, away from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, furniture, and paper. Maintain at least three feet of clearance around the heater.
- Supervision: Never leave a portable heater unattended, especially when sleeping. Turn heaters off when leaving a room or going to bed.
- Cords: Inspect power cords regularly for fraying, damage, or overheating. Do not run cords under rugs or furniture, which can cause overheating and fire.
- Outlets: Plug heaters directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors, which can overload circuits and cause fires.
- Maintenance: Follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience any issues with a DeLonghi heater or any consumer product, report the incident immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov. This helps the CPSC monitor product safety and potentially initiate recalls.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of January 20, 2026, DELONGHI AMERICA INC provided the following statement regarding product safety incidents: “De’Longhi America, Inc. takes product safety issues very seriously. We investigate each CPSC database incident report. We encourage our customers to provide additional information about incidents to our Customer Care Network, by calling 800-322-3848.”
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.