Colsen-branded fire pits that use alcohol for ignition and fuel were recalled in October 2024. However, it is possible that not all have been recalled and that not all consumers have heard of the recall.
According to the recall announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the alcohol flames produced by the fire pits – including a circular version and a rectangular version – can be completely invisible. When a product owner tries to pour more alcohol into the fire pit, the invisible flames can cause flame jetting and may ignite the entire container of alcohol in a violent ball of flames, resulting in catastrophic burn injuries. The CPSC is also concerned that alcohol in the container may splash out during regular use, such as if someone bumps the table the fire pit is placed upon, and cause a fire that spreads throughout the home quickly.
Quick statistics about the Colsen fire pit recall:
- At least 31 reports were sent to the CPSC about flame jetting and alcohol-based fires spreading from the recalled fire pits.
- At least 19 serious burn injuries have been caused by the recalled fire pits.
- At least 2 third-degree burn injuries have been caused by the recalled fire pits.
- At least 6 burn victims required advanced medical care, including surgery, hospitalization, etc.
No one should continue to use Colsen-branded alcohol-based fire pits, according to the CPSC. The manufacturer has not offered any remedy to consumers, such as a repair or replacement, citing financial problems, so the CPSC has instructed all consumers to carefully discard the products.
FLIKRFIRE Fire Pits Also Flagged as Dangerous
The CPSC warned that FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces that also use alcohol for fuel can be just as dangerous as Colsen-branded fire pits. However, no official recall was orchestrated for the products, possibly because the company and its product manufacturer quickly shuttered and refused to cooperate with the CPSC for a recall.
According to the CPSC, in June 2024, two elderly people suffered fatal burn injuries when a nearby FLIKRFIRE product was being refilled. It looked like the “fireplace” was entirely extinguished, but an invisible alcohol flame caused a fireball. At least three other incidents were reported that involved third- or fourth-degree burns.
Can Consumers Sue for the Unsafe Fire Pit Products?
Do not assume that you can’t bring a product liability claim against Colsen, the product manufacturer, just because the company has said that it doesn’t have the financial resources to repair or replace the recalled fire pits. Instead, call (844) 383-0565 and speak with a product liability attorney from Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., serving clients primarily in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, area. Our legal team can assess your situation and determine if you have the grounds to file a claim against Colsen, FLIKRFIRE (FLIKR LLC), or another company involved in the manufacture and sale of the alcohol-based fire pit product.
Furthermore, in many product recall cases, consumers can demand compensation for purchasing the product and being put in harm’s way by it, even when they were not physically injured. Did you buy an alcohol-based fire pit or fireplace product but were not burned by it? You could still have an option to seek compensation from the manufacturers, so you should speak with us to learn more about your options.
We’re available to speak to you about your potential product recall case. Request a free consultation today to begin.