June 17, 2026 — A Greenworks 800 CFM blower and its accompanying lithium battery are at the center of a severe vehicle fire incident reported on May 28, 2026, where the battery is alleged to have caused a car to ignite shortly after being placed in the trunk, leading to significant property damage.
Product Details
Product: Greenworks 800 CFM
Incident Overview
The consumer reported placing a Greenworks 800 CFM blower and its lithium battery into the trunk of their car. This occurred on a day when the product had not been used, and neither the blower nor the trunk felt hot. The drive home from the previous location 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 going inside to put the dogs away and drop off personal items, the consumer was returning to the car to retrieve additional items from the trunk. At this point, smoke was observed coming from both the open car door and the trunk. This was quickly followed by a loud popping noise, then a “loud boom noise,” and subsequently, flames shot out of the trunk, causing the car to catch fire. The consumer immediately grabbed a hose to begin extinguishing the fire due to the close proximity of power lines directly above the car and a large tree. The fire department was called, conducted an inspection using thermal imaging, and reportedly stated that the battery was the cause of the fire. The consumer has indicated possession of documentation, photos, videos, and surveillance footage of the incident.
Safety Concerns
This incident raises critical safety concerns regarding the use and storage of lithium-ion batteries, especially those powering consumer products like leaf blowers.
- Immediate Dangers: The primary immediate dangers are fire and potential explosion. The report of a “loud boom noise” followed by flames shooting out indicates a severe thermal runaway event, which can lead to rapid and intense fires. Such events pose a significant risk of severe burns or other injuries to anyone nearby.
- Long-Term Risks: Beyond the immediate danger of fire, the fumes released during a lithium-ion battery fire can be toxic and pose respiratory hazards. The extensive property damage, resulting in the car being engulfed in flames, highlights the potential for total loss of a vehicle or, if such an incident were to occur in an enclosed space like a garage or home, the potential for a catastrophic structural fire.
- Who Might Be Affected: Consumers operating or storing these products, bystanders, and emergency responders are all at risk from such incidents.
- Property Damage Potential: As evidenced by the car catching fire, the potential for extensive property damage is very high. This incident underscores the risk of not only damage to the product itself but also to the vehicle it is stored in, and potentially to surrounding property or structures.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who own Greenworks 800 CFM blowers or similar lithium-ion battery-powered tools should prioritize safety and take proactive measures.
- Immediate Steps to Take: If you notice any signs of a distressed battery, such as swelling, unusual heat, hissing sounds, or smoke, immediately move the product to a safe, non-combustible outdoor location away from any flammable materials. Do not attempt to extinguish a large battery fire with water, as it may not be effective and can react unexpectedly; use a Class D fire extinguisher if available, but your primary focus should be personal safety and calling emergency services (911).
- How to Check if They Own the Affected Product: Verify the brand and model information on your leaf blower and its battery. Look for “Greenworks” branding and the “800 CFM” specification.
- Prevention Measures: Always use only the charger that is specifically designed for your battery and never attempt to modify batteries or chargers. Store batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Avoid storing batteries where they could be damaged, punctured, or subject to impact. If a battery appears damaged, swollen, or is not performing as expected (e.g., losing charge quickly), discontinue use immediately and arrange for proper disposal through local hazardous waste facilities.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience a similar incident or discover a potentially defective product, it is crucial to report it to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov. Your report contributes valuable data that helps identify hazards and protect other consumers.
Manufacturer’s Response
Sunrise Global Marketing / Greenworks Tools provided a response on June 15, 2026. The company stated that 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 noted 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.