Japan wants more details from Apple over iPod Nano fires

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry ordered Apple’s Japan sector to give out more information surrounding the first generation iPod nano fires. The ministry is asking Apple Japan to explain the cause of overheating. Most of the fires occurred while charging the iPod. The Wall Street Journal said:

There have been 27 known cases in Japan where the battery of the device overheats while it recharges. There have been a total of six fire-related incidents, four of which led to minor burn injuries since Apple reported the first case to the ministry in 2008, said Mr. Shimagami.

The most recent event logged was July 13th, the last one before that was July 1st, 2009. If Apple Japan does not contact the Ministry about the issue by August 4, the company could face a minimum fine of 300,000 yen. This is only for first generation iPod nanos. As far as we know there are no issues with any other generations.