"We invited Apple to share information with us that they might have regarding the recent press reports of incidents relating to Apple iPods and iPhones," said Helen Kearns, a spokesperson for Consumer Affairs at the EU, in a statement. ""Apple has come back to us today. They consider that these are isolated incidents and that there is not a general problem."

The inquiry was prompted after an 11-year-old Liverpool, U.K., girl said that the iPod exploded and overheated. Similar scenarios reportedly occurred in Provence, France. In addition, a Dutchman said that his car caught fire after he left his iPhone in the vehicle, according to examiner.com.

"For the cases which have been reported in the media, Apple is trying to get more information on the details of the incidents and will do tests as necessary to investigate the possible cause," said Kearns. "This is as part of the normal process to follow up customer problems and complaints."

On a support page Apple advises iPhone users to keep the device in places where temperatures are always between 0° and 35° C (32° to 95° F). The company also warns users not to iPhones in cars, because temperatures in parked cars can exceed this range.

Apple was characteristically tight-lipped about the situation, and a European company spokesperson said, "We are aware of these reports and we are waiting to receive the iPhones from the customers. Until we have the full details, we don't have anything further to add."

Across the pond, in March, an Ohio boy claimed that his iPod Touch MP3 player exploded and set his pants on fire resulting in third degree burns. The boy's family has brought suit against Apple in the Southern District of Ohio Court.