A popular squishy toy that looks like a dumpling is facing new scrutiny after Lancaster fire officials linked a counterfeit version to a rowhome fire and laboratory testing found the toys can contain highly flammable and toxic chemicals.
Lancaster City Fire Marshal Tom Hoffman said a counterfeit squishy dumpling purchased by a family a day before an Aug. 5 fire acted as a catalyst in the blaze, according to WGAL. The fire broke out about 3 a.m. in the 100 block of North Reservoir Street, damaged two rowhomes and sent one person to a hospital with minor burns.
Hoffman said the toys can burst when exposed to an ignition source, spreading burning material and helping a fire grow.
After the fire, Hoffman contacted a Georgia laboratory to determine what was inside a counterfeit dumpling. Testing found chemicals including benzene, toluene and cyclohexene, substances that are both flammable and potentially toxic.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had issued a warning about counterfeit versions of the toys on the same day as the Lancaster fire, although the agency’s concerns focused largely on health hazards rather than flammability. Hoffman subsequently notified the CPSC about the fire risk.
The concerns extend beyond Lancaster. Amazon said this week that it removed some squishy toys from its online store after reports of safety issues, while Consumer Reports has urged the CPSC to investigate the entire squishy-toy category, not just counterfeit products.
Federal injury surveillance data estimated that 1,806 people were treated in emergency departments during 2025 for injuries involving squeeze or squeaker toys, with many diagnoses involving burns. The data does not identify the specific products involved or whether they were counterfeit.
Hoffman warned that purchasing from a major retailer does not necessarily guarantee a toy is genuine. Warning signs of possible counterfeits include a strong petroleum or chemical odor, rips or tears, missing safety warnings, or packaging and products that lack manufacturer information or markings.
He recommends double-bagging suspected counterfeit squishy toys before placing them in the trash.
The School District of Lancaster has also alerted principals to the concern and is discouraging students from bringing the dumpling toys to school. District officials plan to discuss the issue further at a safety committee meeting in September.
Source: WGAL