Columbia Sportswear Recalls Batteries Sold With Jackets Due To Fire Hazard

Omni-Heat™ Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries

Date of Recall

2011-11-16

CPSC Release Number

12-705

Manufactured In

China

Units

About 220 (two battery packs sold with each jacket totaling 440 batteries)

Importer

Columbia Sportswear Company, of Portland, Ore.

Sold By

Columbia online retail for $79. The recalled battery packs were included with the jackets sold by Columbia online retail and outdoor and sporting goods dealers nationwide from July 2011 to September 2011 from $900 to $1200.

Problem/Hazard

The batteries have a cell defect which can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.

Injuries/Incidents

The firm has received one report of a battery overheating that was discovered at its distribution facility in France. No incidents or injuries have been reported in the United States.

Description

This recall involves battery packs that power heating systems in jackets. Two battery packs were included with the following Omni-Heat™ Electric jacket styles: Omni-Heat™ Electric Wader Widgeon, Omni-Heat™ Electric Big Game and Omni-Heat™ Gale Warning Interchange. The black battery packs are 3.25 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 0.7 inches deep and marked with "Columbia" on the top and "OMNI-HEAT™" on the bottom of the pack. "Part: 054978-001" is printed on the side label.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately remove the battery pack from the jacket and contact the firm for instructions to return both battery packs to Columbia for free replacements.

Consumer Contact

For additional information, contact Columbia Sportswear Company between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT at (800) 622-6953, email [email protected], or visit the firm's website at www.Columbia.com/Recall

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