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Portable Charger Recalled, Third District Fire Chief Explains Safety Risks, Hazards

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The world’s N0 1 charging brand,” is “voluntarily” recalling one of  its biggest selling chargers it was announced because of its connection with 19 incidents reported, including minor burns and over $60,000 in property damage in the United States, officials from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, said Wednesday.

According to the release, Anker Innovations is voluntarily recalling approximately 1.15 million of its PowerCore 10000 portable chargers (Model A1263) in the U.S. due to a risk of overheating, melting, smoke, and fire.

Key details:

  • Model: PowerCore 10000 (A1263)

  • Serial numbers: Specific SNs listed on Anker’s recall page

  • Sold between: June 1, 2016 – December 31, 2022

  • Where: Amazon, eBay, Newegg & Anker’s own site

  • Price range: ~$27

Third District Fire Chief Howard McGoldrick explained for Lower Bucks Source the inherent risks and dangers with using this kind of present day technology

“These lithium-ion power banks are very capable of going into thermal runaway, where the battery overheats and ignites. These power banks are made up of several individual cells wired together. The individual cells have a burst disk and small pin holes in the end caps which function as a pressure relief device. When the cell heats up, it builds up internal pressure to the point of bursting that disk. The hot gasses escape through the pin holes under very high pressure.  These high pressure gasses are flammable & if ignited create a pin point jet of fire escaping under pressure. Hot enough to burn through a fire hose.”

McGoldrick warned proper disposal of the portable charger can also be a challenging hazzard.

“It’s not uncommon for these individual cells to be launched away from the battery pack due to the high pressure release. Anything in front of or near the jet will burn rapidly. If one of the disks fails it will often burst the cell and cause it to launch great distances while on fire,  rapidly spreading fire. These also release very high volumes of toxic gasses that can fill a room to lethal levels.My advice would be to get rid of the device as soon as possible following the procedures implemented by consumer safety officials.

The recalled chargers were sold online between June 2016 and December 2022 for about $27. Retailers included Anker’s website, Amazon, eBay and Newegg.

Customers who have the affected model are advised to stop using it immediately.

Anker is offering free replacements, but consumers must first submit a photo of their power bank showing the model number, serial number, their name, the date, and the word “recalled” written on the product.

Both Anker and the CPSC emphasized that these devices should not be disposed of in regular trash or curbside recycling due to the fire risk from lithium-ion batteries.

Instead, users should follow local disposal guidelines for electronics or hazardous materials. On Saturday June 28 Bucks County is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Event at Central Bucks High School on Folly Road, which would be the perfect place to dispose the device if you have one.

1. STOP USING IMMEDIATELY
If you own an A1263 or are unsure, stop using it NOW. Even if it seems fine, don’t charge or store it with other items—overheating can happen unexpectedly

2. VERIFY YOUR DEVICE

  • Check the model number and serial number (SN) on the bottom of the charger

  • Visit Anker’s recall site to see if your SN is included

  • You’ll need to upload a photo of the device labelled “recalled,” showing model/SN, your name, and date

3. REQUEST A REMEDY
Once verified, you can opt for:

  • A free replacement charger

  • Or a $30 gift card (roughly the price you paid)

McGoldrick posted a short on YouTube of a Lithium battery in thermal runaway mode from a dwelling fire in Bristol Borough in 202 captured on Helmet cam audio.

 

Cops

Emergency Crews Prepare for Incoming Blizzard as Lower Bucks Municipalities Declare Storm Plans

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Credit:: Veinna Carcel

Lower Bucks municipalities have declared disaster/snow emergencies in advance of the expected snow storm that the National Weather Service says will dump anywhere between 14 to 18 inches on the area.

A winter storm warning is still in effect from Sunday, Feb 22 to Monday, Feb 23.

Each municipality has its own link. For more information and updates, please click on their associated link.

Bensalem Township Disaster Emergency declared immediately for the pending snow storm. Click here to see more details.

Bristol Borough – Snow information/requirements have been posted on their website. Click here to see the details. 

Bristol Township – Snow Emergency effective 12 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 through 12 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Click here to see more details.

Falls Township – Snow Emergency starts Sunday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. and expires on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 a.m. Click here for details.

Langhorne Borough – Snow Emergency starts Sunday, Feb. 22 at noon until Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. No parking. Click here for details.

Lower Makefield Township – Snow information has been posted on Meta. Click here to see the details.

Middletown TownshipSnow Emergency is in effect from Sunday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 23 at 12 p.m. . Click here to see details.

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Morrisville Borough Snow Emergency is in effect from Sunday, Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. to Monday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.  Click here to see the details.

Newtown Township –  A Snow Emergency is in effect from 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 until 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026.  Click here to see the details.

Penndel Borough – Snow Emergency has been declared from 12 p.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, through 12 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026. Click here for more details and click here for more on the ordinance.

Tullytown Borough – Snow Emergency proclamation in effect from Sunday Feb. 22 – 6 p.m. to Monday Feb. 23 – 6 p.m. Click here to see more details.

Warminster Township – Disaster Emergency has been declared for the incoming snow storm, effective Sunday  Feb. 22, 2026 at 12 p.m. through Tuesday, Feb. 24,2026 at 12 p.m..  Click here to see the details and click here to see the declaration from Township Manager Tom Scott.

Yardley Borough – Snow Emergency proclamation in effect from Sunday Feb. 22 – 4 p.m. to Monday Feb. 23 – 4 p.m. . Click here to see the details. and click here to see declaration/other information from Mayor Caroline Thompson.

The primary concern is safety.  Take care of yourselves and check on neighbors and those who may be vulnerable.

Please stay safe, take all necessary precautions, and keep your devices charged.

Click here for updates from the National Weather Service 

Click here for PECO’s outage map.

 

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Cops

Buyers Beware: Thieves Are Using Social Media to Sell Stolen Vehicles, Cops Say

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Police across the commonwealth are warning consumers looking to purchase vehicles online about an uptick in reports in which thieves are using social media based sites to sell stolen vehicles.

Police departments across  Pennsylvania are seeing an uptick of cases in which criminals are using channels like Facebook Marketplace to sell stolen vehicles, often with counterfeit titles or falsified paperwork, law enforcement officials say.

At least one investigator reported, investigators say, that of the vehicles recovered, almost none of them exhibit signs of tampering or damage.

Be cautious and help protect yourself:

  • Verify Vehicle History: Always check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and run a full vehicle history report.
  • Avoid Cash-Only Transactions: Use traceable payment methods and meet sellers in safe, public locations.
  • Inspect Carefully: Look for signs of tampering and never buy a car without confirming its ownership and documentation.

And always remember, authorities say,  if something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Stay alert, stay safe, and don’t let a quick deal turn into a costly mistake.

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Cops

DA-Elect Khan Prepares to Take Office; Transition Team to Seek Community Input

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District Attorney-elect Joe Khan earlier this month formally announced the launch of his Transition Committee.

Khan thanked outgoing District Attorney Jennifer Schorn for her support during this process.

For the remainder of 2025, the Transition Committee will advise Khan as he prepares to take the oath of office in January, a transition team spokesman said.

“In 2026, the committee will reorganize and seek community input for reforms that can be recommended to Khan during his first 120 days in Office. The Committee will conclude its work by assessing and reporting on the status of any recommended actions and strategies,” officials said in a release.be

Last week Khan announced Brendan Flynn (Chief of Staff) Kristin McElroy (Chief Deputy District Attorney) and Elizabeth Oquendo (First Chief of Civil Enforcement) would be joining his team.

“Brendan’s life in public service began at age 18 when he was sworn in at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and has included service as a homicide prosecutor in Philadelphia and as an aide to then-Congressman Patrick Murphy in Bucks County. I’ve worked with Brendan to resolve high stakes matters over the last few years and I can’t wait for him to step into this critical new role serving and protecting our community!,” said Khan.

Flynn also co-chairs the transition team.

Credit: Submitted

“KMac” is an exceptional public servant who has dedicated her career to protecting the most vulnerable in Bucks County. Her integrity, energy and work ethic will set the standard of excellence in this exciting next chapter of the DA’s Office!,” the DA elect said.

“Oquendo will be returning to Bucks from the PA Attorney General’s Office, where she has enforced consumer protection laws to keep us safe from unscrupulous business practices. I am so excited to work with Elizabeth again!,” Khan said.

“I’m blown away by the talent and wisdom of these legal superstars and grateful for their counsel as we equip the DA’s Office to address the 21st century challenges facing crime victims, working families, and our environment,” the DA-Elect said.

Khan was elected District Attorney this past November earning 54% of the vote, winning more votes than any candidate for this office in the history of Bucks County, according to his transition team.

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