UK Fire Marshal Warns of Hazards Identified With Galaxy Note7 Smartphones

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 18, 2016) — The UK Fire Marshal has been monitoring the recent fire incidents regarding the Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones. The lithium-ion battery in the Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing serious fire and burn hazards to consumers. Nearly 100 incidents have been reported in the United States of batteries in the Note7 phones overheating, including more than 20 new reports since the initial Sept. 15 recall announcement. This includes 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with Note7 phones.

The UK Fire Marshal, in the interest of fire prevention and safety of UK campus stakeholders, strongly recommends that consumers follow the recommendations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (recall number 17-011) advising consumers to immediately discontinue use and power down all Galaxy Note7 devices. 

Contact the wireless carrier, retail outlet or www.samsung.com where you purchased your device to receive a refund or free exchange for a new replacement device plus incentives. Consumers who purchased their phones from other sources should contact Samsung directly to receive a free remedy.

Go to www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2016/samsung-expands-recall-of-galaxy-note7-smartphones-based-on-additional-incidents-with for more details.

The University of Kentucky Fire Marshal advocates for fire prevention and life safety for the University of Kentucky. Its mission is to reduce and prevent fires in all UK facilities and to protect students, staff and faculty, physical and intellectual property and research initiatives, as well as secure the fire safety of the campus community and stakeholders. A facet of the UK Fire Marshal's fire prevention program is to identify and attempt to mitigate any potential issues that could lead to a fire situation.  

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT:  Kathy Johnson, 859-257-3155 or kathy.johnson@uky.edu