Federal safety officials have recalled about 1.5 million OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmers after reports that the devices overheated, caught fire and caused serious injuries, according to Patch and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. A San Diego resident died in February after a recalled hand warmer caught fire.

The recall covers OCOOPA rechargeable lithium-ion battery hand warmers with model numbers UT3053, UT3056, ZLS-118, ZLS-118S, ZLS-118D, H01 and H01(PD). Patch reported the products were sold online through Amazon, Ocoopa.com, Ocoopa.net and Walmart.com between September 2018 and May 2026 for $15 to $60.

Consumers are being told to stop using the recalled devices immediately and contact OCOOPA Direct for a refund. The CPSC also warned that the defective lithium-ion batteries should not be placed in regular trash, recycling bins or battery recycling boxes because of the fire risk.

For Santee residents, the practical step is to check any rechargeable hand warmers stored with camping, sports or emergency supplies before the cooler season returns. Local households should contact their household hazardous waste collection program for disposal instructions rather than throwing the products away.

Source: Patch, citing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.