HP ZBook Firefly 14 Gen11 battery caught fire

[LionelP]

Hello,

I just got a brand new HP ZBook Firefly 14 Gen11 with 32 Go RAM and 1 To SSD on March 4th 2025.

1 hour ago, I was working on my laptop and I smelled something burning. Then I saw some smoke between the keyboard and the screen. The computer immediately stopped! The battery charger was plugged in so I immediately removed it!

I called the shop (Galaxus.ch) where I bought it and they asked me to send the computer back to them as soon as possible.

Did someone already experienced such an event? The battery almost exploding?

This is really scary experience...especially with a computer that I started to use 10 days ago!

Best regards,

Lionel

[NonSequitur777]

@LionelP,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

This is a rare but alarming experience, especially with a brand-new HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11. While battery-related failures can happen in any device, they are uncommon -especially in high-end business laptops such as the ZBook series.

Your post piqued my interest because, as we speak, I am using my HP ZBook Firefly 15.6 inch G8 Mobile Workstation PC.

Possible Causes:

1. Defective Battery or Internal Component – A rare manufacturing defect could have caused a thermal runaway event in the battery or a short circuit in the power delivery system.
2. Overheating Issue – If there was a fault in the cooling system or a poorly assembled internal connection, excessive heat could have caused burning.
3. Electrical Issue – A short circuit in the motherboard, power supply, or charging circuit could have triggered a burning smell and smoke.
4. External Factor – A faulty charger, power surge, or liquid exposure (even unnoticed) might have played a role.

 

Recommended Actions:

• Do NOT attempt to turn the laptop back on.
• Follow the retailer's return instructions (Galaxus.ch) and get a replacement or full refund under warranty.
• If possible, document the issue – Take photos of any visible burn marks, smoke residue, or melted areas before shipping it back.
• Report to HP Support Switzerland to ensure this gets investigated properly.
• Check the power adapter – If it was also damaged, mention this when returning the unit.

 

Similar Cases?

While this is rare, lithium-ion batteries can fail, even in premium laptops. HP and other manufacturers occasionally issue battery recall programs when safety risks are discovered.

At the moment -I checked, there are no known recalls for the ZBook Firefly 14 G11, but HP Support may escalate this for investigation.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[LionelP]

Hi NonSequitur777,

As my laptop was delivered less than 10 days ago, Galaxus.ch asked me so send it back before tomorrow. I went to the post office earlier to do so.

After the smoke and the bad smell came out, I unplugged the power adapter immediately.

I have heard a kind of small explosion noise!

It was the second time I was charging my laptop with the provided 100W power adapter since I got it.

I did it the first time right before starting it as mentionned in the quick user guide.

I used it max. 7-8 hours mainly installing Office 365 and other Sotftware, setting up my Outlook, importing my files and documents, installing printer drivers, other drivers...

I unfortunately did not take any picture after the event.

But you do not see any visible burn marks, smoke residue, or melted areas.

The laptop still looks brand new!

Would you like me to provide you with the Serial Number?

I will report the case to HP Support Switzerland.

Best regards,

Lionel

[NonSequitur777]

@LionelP,

Please no serial number: like I recommended, contact HP Support Switzerland.

Best wishes!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777

[LionelP]

Hi NonSequitur777,

I contacted HP Support Switzerland for further investigation.

They opened a case and I just answered all the questions they asked regarding what happened.

Best regards,

Lionel

[NonSequitur777]

@LionelP,

Thank you for following up: it would be interesting to know what HP-Switzerland will do.

If you don't mind, please keep us informed, that would be very much appreciated!

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777