January 5, 2026 – A recent incident report details a significant product malfunction involving an Amazon Basics Surge Protector Power Strip, which reportedly caught fire after being connected to a bug zapper. The incident resulted in considerable property damage, affecting a countertop, overhead cabinets, stovetop, and fume hood.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 11, 2025, an individual reported that an Amazon Basics Surge Protector Power Strip, part of a 2-pack, caught fire. The power strip was connected to an unspecified bug zapper when the incident occurred. The ensuing fire quickly spread, causing significant damage to multiple kitchen components, including the countertop, overhead cabinets, stovetop, and the fume hood located above the cooking area. The report does not specify if anyone was injured or if emergency services were called, but the listed property damage suggests a considerable fire event. The make and model of the bug zapper connected to the power strip were redacted in the incident report.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several critical safety concerns associated with electrical products like power strips and surge protectors:
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate danger is fire, which can spread rapidly, causing severe burns, smoke inhalation, and posing an immediate threat to life and safety. Electrical fires can be particularly dangerous as they often involve live current, complicating extinguishment efforts.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond immediate injury, fires can lead to extensive property damage, structural compromise, and the release of toxic fumes from burning materials, which can have long-term health consequences for occupants and necessitate costly repairs or reconstruction.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone in the vicinity of the product at the time of malfunction is at risk of injury. Moreover, residents of the home are affected by property damage, potential displacement, and the psychological impact of a fire incident. Pets are also at severe risk in such situations.
- Property Damage Potential: As evidenced by this incident, a malfunctioning power strip can cause widespread property destruction, including countertops, cabinetry, appliances (stovetop, fume hood), and potentially the structural integrity of the home. The location of this incident, in a kitchen, further highlights the potential for rapid spread due to flammable materials commonly found in such areas. The specific cause of the fire (e.g., product defect, overload, or incompatibility with the connected device) is not detailed in the report, but any electrical fire risk is a serious concern.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own Amazon Basics Surge Protector Power Strips or similar products should take the following precautions:
- Discontinue Use Immediately: If you experience any signs of overheating, smoke, or unusual odors from a power strip, unplug it from the wall outlet and discontinue use immediately.
- Check Your Product: Verify if you own the “Amazon Basics Surge Protector Power Strip, 6-Outlet with 200J Protection, 2ft Extension Cord, Rectangle, Black (2 Pack)” by checking the product description, packaging, or any identifying GTIN/UPC numbers.
- Prevent Overloading: Never overload power strips by plugging in too many devices or high-wattage appliances (like heaters, microwaves, refrigerators, or, potentially, certain bug zappers) that draw significant current. Power strips are generally designed for low-power electronics.
- Inspect Cords and Outlets: Regularly check power cords and outlets for frayed wires, cracks, discoloration, or any signs of damage or overheating.
- Proper Placement: Ensure power strips are placed in open, well-ventilated areas, away from flammable materials, and not covered by rugs or furniture.
- Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potential defect, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.SaferProducts.gov and to the manufacturer.
Manufacturer’s Response
No response has been provided by Amazon.com LLC regarding this incident at the time of this report.
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.