Cordless RoomieTEC Vacuum Reportedly Catches Fire in Closet, Injuring 75-Year-Old and Causing Property Damage

If you or a loved one were injured or suffered property damage due to a defective vacuum cleaner or lithium battery fire, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation. We have experience handling product liability claims involving home appliances and fire-related injuries.

Dangerous Incident: RoomieTEC Vacuum Fire Sends Alarming Warning to Consumers

A 75-year-old consumer was allegedly injured when his RoomieTEC cordless stick vacuum (Model #DH071A, also known as the Vincent-SL587) reportedly caught on fire inside a closet. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a faulty battery caused the fire—a conclusion the responding Deputy Fire Marshal also supported.

The victim reported the incident after hearing a smoke detector alarm and discovering the fire had ignited while the vacuum was lying on top of a plastic bin. Fortunately, firefighters contained the blaze before it caused more extensive damage or life-threatening injury—but it still injured the victim and caused property damage. The victim reached out to the manufacturer for help but allegedly received no response.

Product Details: RoomieTEC Cordless Stick Vacuum

·      Brand: RoomieTEC

·      Model: DH071A / Vincent-SL587

·      Manufacturer: Roomie Innovations Co.

·      Purchase Location: Walmart.com

·      Purchase Date: December 7, 2022

·      Battery Type: Rechargeable lithium-ion (inferred based on product type)

·      Incident Date: May 23, 2025

This model is part of a growing category of cordless vacuums, which offer convenience but come with inherent risks due to the use of lithium-ion batteries—the same type of battery responsible for fires in scooters, laptops, and phones.

What Caused the Fire?

The owner reportedly wasn’t using the vacuum at the time and had removed it from its charging dock before placing it inside a closet. The consumer reported that the roller motor and LED light remained on, suggesting a malfunction in the power control system. The vacuum caught fire shortly after the owner placed it in the closet, triggering a smoke alarm and prompting an emergency response.

The Fire Marshal concluded the cause to be a battery-related failure, which aligns with growing reports of lithium-ion battery fires in consumer electronics and small appliances.

Manufacturer’s Response (or Lack Thereof)

Despite multiple attempts to contact RoomieTEC’s customer service, the consumer alleged that he received no direct assistance or responsibility from the manufacturer. After the injured consumer mailed the burned vacuum to the company’s listed address for evaluation, the box came back marked “RoomieTEC has moved,” leaving them without answers or a working resolution.

This lack of follow-up could indicate negligent post-market product support.

Fire and Burn Hazards from Lithium-Ion Powered Devices

Cordless appliances like stick vacuums rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which, while powerful and efficient, can become unstable if poorly manufactured, overcharged, or damaged. If thermal runaway occurs (a chain reaction where the battery overheats and ignites), the results can be catastrophic.

Common fire risks with defective lithium-ion vacuums include:

·      Overheating during or after charging

·      Internal battery short circuits

·      Inadequate venting or overheating protection

·      No automatic shut-off for power control issues

In this case, the fact that components stayed powered while off and ultimately ignited a fire suggests a possible product design or manufacturing defect.

Can You Sue for a Defective Cordless Vacuum?

Yes. Under product liability law, manufacturers can be held responsible for injuries or property damage caused by defective or dangerous products, especially when caused by faulty design, poor quality control, or inadequate warnings.

A claim could be based on:

·      Design defect – The battery or power system posed a foreseeable risk.

·      Manufacturing defect – The specific unit was improperly assembled or used substandard materials.

·      Failure to warn – No adequate instructions or fire-risk warnings were provided.

What Damages Could Be Recovered?

If your home or body was harmed by a faulty appliance like the RoomieTEC vacuum, you may be entitled to compensation for:

·      Medical expenses (even if first aid was self-administered)

·      Pain and suffering

·      Property damage (furniture, floors, walls, storage bins, etc.)

·      Cost to replace the vacuum

·      Emotional distress, especially for elderly victims or those living alone

·      Punitive damages, if the manufacturer’s conduct was especially reckless or indifferent

What Should You Do If You Have a Cordless Vacuum That Caught Fire?

1.        Unplug and discontinue use immediately.

2.        Document everything – Take photos of the burned area, product, and any injuries.

3.        Keep the damaged vacuum – Do not dispose of it or return it until you speak with an attorney.

4.        File a report with the CPSC at www.saferproducts.gov.

5.        Consult a product liability attorney to discuss your options.

Why Contact the Law Offices of Jason Turchin?

We have experience helping clients recover compensation for injuries and damages caused by defective consumer products—including fire hazards. We understand the trauma and disruption a household fire can cause, and we can work to hold manufacturers accountable when their negligence puts consumers at risk.

Our firm offers free consultations and charge no legal fees or costs unless we win your case.

FAQs About Vacuum Fires and Legal Options

Is RoomieTEC responsible even if the product is out of warranty?
Possibly. A warranty only covers repairs or replacements—it does not protect the manufacturer from liability if their product causes injury or damage.

Are lithium-ion vacuum fires common?
 Unfortunately, yes. Reports of fires caused by battery-powered devices are rising, and vacuums are playing an increasing role in these incidents.

Can I sue even if I wasn’t hospitalized?
 Possibly. Legal claims can still be valid if you received minor injuries or incurred property damage and emotional distress.

What if the manufacturer won’t respond?
 That doesn’t prevent you from pursuing legal action. An experienced product liability attorney can help you initiate a claim and gather the necessary evidence.

Should I contact RoomieTEC again?
 It’s often best to consult a lawyer first to avoid jeopardizing your rights or claim. You should consider handling any communication with the manufacturer strategically.

Take Action After a Fire Caused by a Faulty Vacuum

A cordless vacuum should clean your home—not burn it down. If a RoomieTEC vacuum caught fire and injured you or damaged your property, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation, or visit www.jasonturchin.com to learn more about your rights. We’re here to help you hold negligent manufacturers accountable and move forward with confidence.