What was recalled
If you own a Firewood vaporizer, specifically the model designated as the Firewood 4, it is important to understand exactly which items are included in this safety alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The recall applies to every single unit of the Firewood 4 vaporizer produced and sold. This is not a limited batch or a specific production run with isolated defects; rather, the scope of this recall is comprehensive, covering all manufactured units of this particular model. To help you identify whether your device falls under this notice, the CPSC provides very specific physical descriptions of the product in question.
The affected vaporizers are distinct in their construction and dimensions. Each unit measures exactly 2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick. They feature a unique design element: a sliding battery compartment cover that allows users to access the power source. A key visual identifier for these devices is the branding; the Firewood logo is printed clearly on the bottom of each vaporizer. Furthermore, the body of the device and its battery cover are crafted from wood. It is important to note that these units were sold in two distinct conditions: some were finished, meaning they came ready for use with a polished or sealed surface, while others were sold unfinished, leaving the natural wood exposed. This variation in finish does not exclude a unit from the recall; both finished and unfinished wooden bodies are included.
The timeline of when these products entered the market is also part of the record, though the specific retail locations are not detailed in this summary. The recall was officially announced on August 7, 2017. At that time, consumers who had purchased any Firewood 4 vaporizer were at risk due to the potential for an electrical short within the device. This short circuit poses a serious fire hazard. While the record does not list specific store names or online platforms where they were distributed, it confirms that all purchasers of this model are subject to this recall. The manufacturer, Firewood, has taken the step of contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the issue. If you have ever owned a wooden vaporizer with a sliding battery cover and the Firewood logo on the bottom, regardless of whether it was finished or unfinished, you should verify if it is one of these recalled units immediately.
Understanding the physical characteristics of the recalled item is the first step in ensuring your safety. The combination of wooden materials and electrical components creates a unique risk profile that necessitates this broad recall. By identifying the exact dimensions, the presence of the sliding cover, the printed logo, and the wooden construction, you can confidently determine if your device is part of this specific safety alert. Do not rely on general impressions; use these precise details to check against your device.
The hazard, explained
When you hold a Firewood vaporizer, you are holding two very different materials in close contact: wood and high-energy electronics. The core issue here is not with the wood itself, but with how that wood interacts with the device’s internal electrical system. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an electrical short can occur within the unit. In plain terms, a short circuit happens when electricity takes an unintended, low-resistance path to the ground, bypassing its intended route through the heating element. Instead of generating heat for vaporization, this errant current creates intense, uncontrolled heat at the point of failure.
This is particularly dangerous in a device like the Firewood 4 because of its construction. The body and battery cover are made of wood, which is naturally an insulator but can become conductive if it absorbs moisture or if internal components degrade. When an electrical short occurs inside this wooden casing, the heat generated has nowhere to go but outward. The CPSC report notes that one incident involved the battery venting and catching fire. Batteries contain volatile chemicals; when subjected to the extreme temperatures caused by a short circuit, they can fail catastrophically. "Venting" means the battery releases gas and electrolytes under pressure, which are often flammable. If this material ignites while still inside or immediately adjacent to the wooden housing, the wood—which is highly combustible—can quickly catch fire.
The risk is compounded by the fact that these devices are designed to be handheld and used close to the face. While no injuries have been reported in this specific recall batch as of the August 7, 2017 announcement, the potential for harm is significant. A fire in a small, portable device can spread rapidly to surrounding materials, such as clothing, furniture, or bedding, especially if the user is sleeping or distracted. The heat from an electrical short can also damage the battery casing itself, leading to thermal runaway—a chain reaction where the battery heats up faster than it can dissipate that heat, potentially causing an explosion rather than just a smoldering fire.
It is important to understand that this hazard is not always obvious before it happens. The vaporizers were sold both finished and unfinished, meaning some units may have had protective coatings while others did not. Regardless of the finish, the internal wiring or connections can degrade over time due to normal use, vibration, or manufacturing variances. Once that insulation fails or a connection loosens, the path for the short circuit is created. This is why the CPSC and Firewood are urging immediate cessation of use. The problem lies in the electrical integrity of the device, which cannot be fixed by the user, and continuing to charge or use the unit increases the likelihood that a dormant defect will become an active fire.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing immediate danger in this recall consists of individuals who own or actively use the Firewood 4 vaporizer. Because the core issue involves an electrical short within the device itself, any user handling the unit during operation is potentially exposed to the hazard. This includes both casual users and those who rely on these devices for daily routine, as the risk does not discriminate based on how frequently the product is used, but rather on the presence of the defective component.
While the CPSC report notes that only one incident has been recorded so far, the nature of an electrical short presenting a fire hazard introduces significant vulnerability for specific demographics. Young children are particularly at risk in scenarios involving electronic devices with batteries and heating elements. If a child were to handle a recalled Firewood 4 vaporizer, they might not recognize the warning signs of an electrical malfunction, such as unusual heat, burning smells, or visible smoke. Their natural curiosity could lead them to insert fingers into the sliding battery compartment or attempt to charge or operate the device without supervision, increasing the likelihood of contact with exposed wiring or overheating components.
Elderly individuals or those with limited dexterity may also face heightened risks, though for different reasons. The Firewood 4 features a sliding battery compartment cover, which requires precise manual manipulation. If an older adult has difficulty with fine motor skills, they might struggle to properly seat the battery or close the cover securely. A poorly connected battery is a common precursor to electrical shorts and arcing. Furthermore, if a fire were to start, individuals with slower reaction times or mobility challenges may have less time to safely extinguish the flame or evacuate the area, making prevention through immediate cessation of use critical.
Additionally, users who purchased the vaporizer in its unfinished wooden state might be at risk during the modification process. The recall specifies that units were sold both finished and unfinished. If an owner attempted to stain, seal, or modify the wooden body after purchase, they might inadvertently compromise the internal electrical insulation or create conductive paths through wood dust or finishing agents. This adds a layer of complexity for DIY enthusiasts who might not realize that altering the exterior of an electronic device can void safety mechanisms built into the original design.
Ultimately, the risk is universal to all owners because the defect is inherent to the manufacturing of the Firewood 4 model. Whether the user is a tech-savvy adult or someone less familiar with electronics, the potential for a battery to vent and catch fire remains a constant threat until the free repair is completed. No one should assume they are safe simply because no accident has occurred yet; the hazard exists in every unit sold under this recall.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you are unsure whether your vaporizer is part of this specific recall, do not rely on guesswork or general memory. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very precise set of characteristics that define the affected units. Because the hazard stems from an internal electrical short, even a slight variation in manufacturing date or material finish could mean your device is safe, but it is far better to be certain before you plug it in or use it again. The most reliable way to identify the recalled product is to physically examine the device itself, looking for both its physical dimensions and its specific branding details.
First, look at the brand name printed on the unit. The recall applies exclusively to vaporizers manufactured by the brand Firewood. Check the bottom of the device carefully; the Firewood logo should be clearly printed there. If you do not see this specific logo, or if it is a different brand entirely, your device is likely not part of this recall. However, if you do see the Firewood logo, you must then verify the model and physical specifications, as the recall covers all Firewood 4 vaporizers. There are no exceptions for specific production runs within this model line.
Next, pick up the device and measure it. The recalled units have very distinct dimensions that differ from standard vape pens or other wooden-bodied devices. You are looking for a unit that measures exactly 2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches tall, with a thickness of 7/8 inch. It is helpful to use a ruler or a measuring tape for accuracy, as these numbers are precise. If your device is noticeably larger, smaller, or thicker, it does not match the description of the recalled product.
Finally, inspect the construction and finish. The body and battery compartment cover of the recalled vaporizers are made of wood. A critical identifier is the sliding battery compartment cover; if your device has a screw-on or magnetic cover instead, it is not part of this recall. Additionally, note that these units were sold in two conditions: some were finished (sealed and polished) and others were unfinished (raw wood). Both versions are included in the recall, so the presence or absence of a wood finish does not determine safety—it is the model number and electrical components that matter. If your device matches the brand, the Firewood 4 model name, the specific wooden construction with a sliding cover, and the exact dimensions listed above, you should stop using it immediately.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Firewood 4 vaporizers, your immediate priority is to eliminate the risk of injury or property damage. The CPSC and Firewood have issued clear instructions to prevent further incidents, so please follow these steps carefully. Do not attempt to fix the device yourself or continue using it under any circumstances. **Step 1: Stop using the device immediately.** The first and most critical action is to cease all use of the vaporizer. The recall notice states that an electrical short can occur within the unit, which has already led to at least one reported incident where the battery vented and caught fire. Even if your specific unit appears to be functioning normally, the underlying defect remains present. Continuing to charge or operate the device increases the likelihood of a thermal event. Place the vaporizer in a safe, non-flammable location away from combustible materials like curtains, bedding, or furniture until you can arrange for its return. This is not a precautionary measure; it is an urgent safety requirement based on the confirmed hazard. **Step 2: Identify your unit.** While the remedy does not require you to perform complex diagnostics, confirming that you have a recalled model helps ensure you are taking action for the correct item. Check your vaporizer for the following identifiers: it should be a Firewood 4 model, measuring exactly 2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick. Look for a sliding battery compartment cover and verify that both the body and the cover are made of wood. The unit may have been sold finished or unfinished, but the Firewood logo must be printed on the bottom. If your device matches this description, it is part of the recall. **Step 3: Contact Firewood for a free repair.** The remedy specified by the company is a free repair. You do not need to wait for them to contact you, although they state that all known purchasers are being contacted directly. To initiate the process, reach out to Firewood through one of the following channels: * **Phone:** Call 781-738-3838 (collect calls are accepted) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. * **Email:** Send a message to recall@firewoodvapes.com. * **Online:** Visit www.firewoodvapes.com and click on the "Safety Recall" link for detailed instructions. When you contact them, have your device ready to provide any serial numbers or purchase details if requested. The company will guide you through sending the unit back for repair at no cost to you. Do not dispose of the vaporizer in regular trash, as this could allow someone else to use a hazardous product. Follow the return shipping instructions provided by Firewood carefully to ensure your safety and compliance with the recall process.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled Firewood 4 vaporizers, the good news is that the manufacturer has established a clear and straightforward path to resolve the issue. According to the recall details issued by the CPSC on August 7, 2017, the primary remedy offered is a free repair. This means that you are not required to pay for any parts, labor, or shipping associated with fixing the device. The company, Firewood, has committed to covering these costs entirely, ensuring that the safety correction does not become a financial burden for consumers who were simply trying to enjoy their product.
It is important to understand why a repair is the chosen remedy rather than a simple refund or replacement. In many cases involving electronic devices with specific manufacturing defects—such as the electrical shorting issue identified here—a direct replacement might result in sending you another unit that could potentially have the same underlying flaw if it was produced during the same problematic batch. By offering a free repair, Firewood is addressing the root cause of the hazard directly. This approach ensures that the specific component causing the risk is corrected, allowing you to continue using your original device safely. While the recall notice does not explicitly list options for a full refund or a new replacement unit, the offer of a free repair stands as the official and comprehensive solution provided by the firm.
To access this remedy, you will need to take proactive steps to contact Firewood directly. Although the company stated that all known purchasers are being contacted directly, it is highly advisable not to wait for their outreach if you have not yet heard from them. You can reach their customer support team by calling 781-738-3838. Please note that this line accepts collect calls, which removes any potential cost barrier for you making the initial inquiry. Their representatives are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, so plan your call accordingly to ensure you can speak with someone during their business hours.
If you prefer not to call or if you have more detailed questions about the repair process, you also have digital options for assistance. You may send an email directly to recall@firewoodvapes.com. Alternatively, you can visit their official website at www.firewoodvapes.com and navigate to the "Safety Recall" section for additional information. When you reach out, be prepared to provide details about your specific unit, such as its dimensions (2 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick) and the presence of the Firewood logo on the bottom, to help them verify that your device is indeed part of this recall. By taking these steps, you ensure that the fire hazard is eliminated and your peace of mind is restored.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall notice arrives in your mailbox or inbox, the natural human reaction is often to pause, shrug, and file it away for "later." It is easy to rationalize that the risk is minimal, especially when the product has been sitting quietly on a shelf or in a drawer for some time. However, with electrical devices like the Firewood 4 vaporizer, ignoring a safety alert is not merely an inconvenience; it is an active choice to maintain a potential danger in your home. The core issue here is the electrical short circuit. This is not a minor glitch that might simply cause the device to stop working; it is a failure of the internal wiring or components that allows electricity to flow where it should not. When this happens, the energy has nowhere to go but into heat. In a device constructed largely of wood, even unfinished wood retains enough organic material to be combustible under the right conditions.
The consequences of continuing to use the recalled unit can escalate quickly. As noted in the official report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there has already been one confirmed incident where an electrical short caused the battery to vent and catch fire. While it is reassuring that no injuries were reported in that specific instance, the potential for harm is significant. A venting lithium-ion battery releases intense heat and flammable gases. If this occurs while the device is plugged in on a nightstand, left unattended in a pocket, or placed near other combustible materials like bedding, curtains, or furniture, the fire can spread far beyond the device itself. Wood, being the primary material of the Firewood 4’s body and battery cover, acts as fuel. What starts as a small electrical spark inside the wooden casing can rapidly turn into a structural house fire, endangering not just your property but the safety of everyone in your household.
Beyond the immediate physical danger of fire, there is also the risk of exposure to toxic byproducts. When batteries vent and burn, they release chemicals that can be harmful if inhaled. In an enclosed space, these fumes can cause respiratory distress or other health issues before a fire even becomes visible. Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are bypassing the manufacturer’s safety net. Firewood has committed to providing free repairs to resolve these electrical faults. By not contacting them, you are leaving a known defect active and unrepaired. The longer you wait, the more likely the internal components are to degrade further, increasing the probability of that short circuit occurring at an inopportune moment—such as when you are sleeping or away from home. Taking ten minutes to make that call is a small price to pay for ensuring that your home remains a safe place to live.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a defect in the Firewood vaporizers, it serves as a timely reminder that any device combining lithium-ion batteries with heat or electrical components requires careful handling. Lithium-ion batteries are incredibly efficient and powerful, which makes them ideal for portable electronics, but they also demand respect. When these batteries are charged, discharged, or exposed to high temperatures, they generate internal pressure. If the internal structure is compromised by a manufacturing defect, physical damage, or prolonged wear, that pressure can lead to thermal runaway—a rapid increase in temperature that results in venting, fire, or even explosion. Understanding this chemistry helps explain why general safety habits are just as important as recalling a specific product.
To protect your home and devices, start by treating battery-powered items with the same caution you would apply to any potential ignition source. Avoid leaving electronic devices charging overnight or unattended for long periods. If a device becomes unusually warm during use or charging, disconnect it immediately and let it cool down in a safe, non-flammable area. Never use a charger that is frayed, cracked, or not specifically designed for the device. Using third-party chargers with incorrect voltage or amperage ratings can force the battery to work harder than intended, increasing the risk of electrical shorts and overheating. Additionally, keep these devices away from extreme temperatures; do not leave them in a hot car on a summer day or expose them to direct sunlight for extended periods.
It is also crucial to perform regular visual inspections of your electronics. Look for signs of battery swelling, which often appears as a bulging back panel or screen, indicating that the battery cell has failed internally. If you notice any physical damage to the casing, ports, or charging cables, stop using the device right away. Do not attempt to puncture or open a swollen battery, as this can release toxic gases and ignite flammable electrolytes. Instead, place the item in a non-combustible container and dispose of it according to local hazardous waste regulations.
Finally, stay informed about product safety by signing up for recall alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Recalls are not just about fixing problems; they are about preventing harm before it occurs. By keeping your contact information updated with manufacturers and regularly checking the CPSC website, you ensure that you receive timely notifications about potential hazards in products you own. This proactive approach empowers you to take action quickly, ensuring that your home remains a safe place for you and your family.