Health Canada has recalled around 7,600 Hewlett-Packard and Compaq laptop computer batteries that could pose a fire and burn hazard.

The recalled products are rechargeable lithium ion batteries that may be found in these HP and Compaq laptop models:

• HP Pavilion: dv2000, dv2500, dv2700, dv6000, dv6500, dv6700, dv9000, dv9500, dv9700
• Compaq Presario: A900, C700, F700, V3000, V3500, V3700, V6000, V6500, V6700
• HP: G6000, G7000
• HP Compaq: 6720s

The laptop model numbers can be found on the bottom of the computer at the top of a service label.

The bar codes of the affected batteries are listed below. The * symbol represents any letter or number.

• 62940**AXV****
• 65035**B7U****
• 65033**B7U****
• 65035**V7V****
• 65033**B7V****
• 65033**BGU****
• 67059**V8U****
• 67059**V8V****
• 65035**BGU****
• 65035**BGV****

The products were sold at stores across Canada and online at www.hp.com and www.hpshopping.com between August 2007 and March 2008.

The batteries can overheat and computer users could burn themselves or nearby items.

Hewlett-Packard Co. has received one report of an overheated battery in Canada that ruptured, resulting in flames/fire and minor property damage, with no reported injuries.

Users are advised to remove the recalled battery and contact HP for information on a replacement.

HP can be contacted at 1-800-889-2031.