Melissa & Doug Recalled 84,000 Fire Truck Activity Boards

Owners should stop using these toddler toys due to a choking hazard involving a detachable hose part.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Toddlers

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a simple wooden toy activity board, highlighting the quiet, safety-focused nature of the consumer recall.
Melissa & Doug is recalling 84,000 Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Boards after reports of a detachable component creating a choking hazard. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you trust that companies make product recall processes easy for consumers to navigate?

Melissa & Doug has recalled 84,000 Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Boards sold at Target because the fire hose port can detach. This poses a potential choking hazard to children, with 26 reports of the component coming loose.

Why it matters

The recall was initiated after reports of the hose port detaching, which creates an immediate safety risk for toddlers playing with the board. Beyond the choking hazard, there is one confirmed report of a child sustaining a minor cut from the affected part.

The recalled activity boards retailed for $30 each. Melissa & Doug is offering owners either a full refund or a $40 store credit as compensation for the recalled units.

The players

Melissa & Doug

A toy manufacturer known for wooden toys and toddler educational products that periodically initiates safety recalls.

Target

A major national retail chain that served as the primary sales venue for these recalled activity boards.

The details

The defect involves a specific fire hose port on the activity board that is prone to detaching from the unit. To participate in the recall, owners must first remove the batteries from the toy to ensure safety. You must then cut the hose and mark the product with a specific code before uploading a photo of the modified item to the manufacturer to claim a refund or store credit.

Timeline

  1. Sales of the affected activity boards occurred between July 2025 and August 2026.

  2. Incident data for the recall was reported on September 17, 2026.

The Home Front

This recall aligns with heightened scrutiny from the CPSC regarding small-part detachment in toddler toys. It serves as a reminder to monitor children's play areas for components that show signs of wear or separation.

Check your child's toy chest for the Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board and immediately remove it from their reach. Follow the manufacturer's specific instructions to disable the toy and submit your proof of modification to receive your refund or credit.

The takeaway

The primary risk with this toy is the detachment of the fire hose port, which presents a significant choking hazard. If you own this activity board, remove the batteries and document the necessary modifications to receive your $40 store credit.

Further reading

For more tips on keeping playrooms safe, check our guide on Toddlers.

Live Poll

Do you trust that companies make product recall processes easy for consumers to navigate?

Melissa & Doug Recalled 84,000 Fire Truck Activity Boards