Chicago, IL (January 15, 2025) – The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers to stop using tabletop fire pits and fireplaces that are designed to burn pooled alcohol or other liquid fuels. The urgent warning comes after more than 60 people were injured and at least 2 people died from flame jetting and other fire-related injuries. 

If you or a loved one suffered burn injuries because of a defective or dangerous tabletop fire pit, Ankin Law is here to help. Our personal injury lawyers understand the impact these incidents can have on victims and their families. We are dedicated to holding the negligent product manufacturers accountable and helping you recover.

Dangerous Tabletop Fireplaces and Fire Pits: Here’s What You Need to Know

In 2024, the CPSC released multiple warnings and recall notices regarding alcohol-burning tabletop fire pits and fireplaces. These products have been linked to dangerous incidents, including:

  • Flame Jetting: A sudden and explosive release of fire caused by improper fueling or design defects. Flame jetting can result in severe burn injuries, property damage, and even death.
  • Fire Spreading Hazards: The tabletop fire pits are designed to be ignited atop pooled alcohol or fuel. Flames burn along the surface of the fuel, increasing fire spreading risks.
  • Inadequate Safety Features: Spills or leaks from the fire pit reservoir during use can result in uncontrollable flash fires that escape the unit.

Have Tabletop Fire Pits and Fireplaces Been Recalled?

Some brands such as Colsen have recalled the dangerous indoor/outdoor fire pits after reports of flame jetting and burn injuries. Others, like FLIKR LLC, the manufacturer of FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces, have gone out of business and not agreed to offer remedies to affected consumers. 

The CPSC is urging consumers to stop purchasing these products. The agency says sellers should stop selling the alcohol-fueled units immediately. If you currently own a tabletop fireplace or fire pit that’s designed to burn pooled liquids, the CSPC urges you to stop using the product and to contact manufacturers for refunds or replacements if a recall applies. 

How Defective Fire Pits Cause Harm

Tabletop fire pits that require users to pour liquid fuel, like isopropyl alcohol, into bowls or open containers and then ignite the fuel in the same location violate voluntary safety standards that are designed to keep consumers safe. Common causes of injury include:

  • Adding fuel to a fire pit while it is still warm or burning can lead to dangerous explosions or flame jetting. When flame jetting occurs, flames and burning liquids can travel a significant distance, sometimes 15 feet or more, as seen in the CPSC’s flame jetting safety video. 
  • When alcohol burns, flame temperatures reach over 1,600℉. In less than one second, third degree burn can occur. In a matter of seconds, burning victims can die.
  • Poor workmanship or low-quality materials can increase the chances of fuel splashes and spillage, exacerbating fire and burn risks.

Victims of these dangerous fire pits often suffer life-altering consequences, including severe burns, scarring, emotional trauma, and financial strain from medical bills and lost wages. In some cases, fire pit burn injuries are fatal. 

In June 2024, an elderly couple died from severe burn injuries after their FLIKRFIRE tabletop fire pit shot flames onto the victims during refilling. The 93-year-old couple, Herm and Thelma Stolzenburg of New Hampshire, passed away approximately a week after the incident from third degree burns. 

In October 2024, the CPSC recalled more than 89,000 Colsen fire pits that had been sold through a variety of retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Wayfair. The recall came after escaping flames and flame jetting reportedly caused 19 burn injuries. Two of the victims suffered third degree burns over more than 40% of their bodies. In six cases, patients required surgery, ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and/or admission into specialized burn treatment units. The victims faced short-term disabilities, permanent disfigurement, and loss of function.

Legal Rights of Tabletop Fire Pit Injury Victims

People who have suffered injuries that were caused by a manufacturer’s negligence have the right to pursue legal action against the company or companies who caused them harm. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held accountable under product liability laws, and victims can recover compensation for their losses. When multiple people suffer injuries that were caused by a single defendant, similar cases can be combined into what’s known as a “mass tort action”. Unlike a class action lawsuit, a mass tort action allows each case to be treated individually while pooling legal resources in a single trial. 

If you’ve been injured in a tabletop fireplace accident, it’s important to act quickly. Preserving evidence, such as the damaged product, photos of your injuries and where the incident occurred, and medical records, can strengthen your case.

Ankin Law in Chicago is currently investigating cases of tabletop fire pit and fireplace burn injuries and deaths. Contact our mass tort lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Call 312-600-0000.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, more than 90 attorneys and support staff, and the resources to win injury cases against negligent product manufacturers, we represent injured victims nationwide.