Tabletop Fire Pit Burn Injuries and Deaths

Nationwide Representation for Victims of Explosions, Burns, and Flame Jetting Accidents 

Across the country, devastating injuries have been caused by small, alcohol-fueled tabletop fire pits that unexpectedly erupt in flames. Marketed as decorative and “smokeless,” these products have been linked to severe burn injuries, explosions, and wrongful deaths in homes, patios, and restaurants. 

At Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, our product liability attorneys represent families nationwide that have been harmed by dangerously designed products for the past 45 years.  

The Growing Danger of Tabletop Fire Pits 

In recent years, ethanol-based fire pits have become extremely popular. Compact, stylish, and affordable, they promise the warmth and glow of a campfire without smoke or ash. Yet beneath their minimalist design is a volatile danger: liquid alcohol fuel that can explode without warning. 

These devices are often sold online or through major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, HomeGoods, and Wayfair. They are frequently marketed under brand names like Colsen or FLÎKRfire, or as unbranded imports from overseas manufacturers. Consumers are rarely warned that the invisible flame from ethanol or gel fuel can remain active even when the fire pit appears extinguished. Refueling during this period can trigger a flash explosion known as flame jetting. 

Understanding Flame Jetting 

Flame jetting is a dangerous scientific phenomenon that occurs when liquid ethanol or isopropyl alcohol comes into contact with a heat source or an invisible flame. The vapors can ignite instantaneously, creating a high-velocity jet of fire that behaves like a blowtorch. 

Victims often describe hearing a low “whoosh” followed by a wall of fire erupting across a table or patio. The flames can engulf anyone standing nearby, leading to second- and third-degree burns on the face, arms, and torso. 

Even more alarming, flame jetting can happen without any visible warning. Because ethanol burns with a nearly invisible flame, a person may believe the fire pit is cool and safe to refuel when it is still dangerously hot. 

Known Brands and Recalls 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued several recalls for tabletop fire pits and ethanol burners after reports of serious burn injuries and explosions. Some of the known models include: 

• Colsen Tabletop Fire Pits that were recalled after multiple fuel explosions and consumer injuries 

• BlissLights “Solo Stove” ethanol burners that were investigated following flame jetting reports 

• Various unbranded or imported gel fuel fire bowls sold through online retailers without safety certification 

Despite these warnings, many unsafe models remain on the market under new seller names. A large number of these products still lack essential safety features such as flame arrestors, visible flame indicators, and heat-sensing mechanisms. 

Design Defects That Make These Products Unsafe 

Through extensive investigation and collaboration with fire-safety experts, Searcy Denney has identified several recurring engineering and design failures that make tabletop fire pits unreasonably dangerous. 

1. Lack of Flame Arrestors 
   A flame arrestor, typically a fine metal mesh, prevents flame from traveling back into the fuel container. Many ethanol fire pits do not include this safety feature, which allows vaporized fuel to ignite explosively. 
2. No Visible Flame Indicators 
   Ethanol flames are nearly invisible in daylight, giving users a false impression that the device is off. Manufacturers rarely use color additives or visible cues to show that the unit is still burning. 
3. Unsafe Refueling Design 
   Many tabletop fire pits have open or recessed fuel chambers that trap heat and vapor. When more fuel is poured into the chamber, pressure can build and cause an explosion. 
4. Inadequate Warnings and Instructions 
   Important safety warnings such as “Do not refuel until cool” or “Flame may be invisible” are often missing or placed in fine print. Many packages show the products being used indoors or near flammable materials, creating a false sense of safety. 
5. Unregulated Fuel Products 
   Retailers frequently sell generic “bio-ethanol” or “gel fuel” products that do not contain flame-retardant additives. These fuels often burn at higher vapor pressures and can cause severe flame jetting when poured into a warm device. 

How a Tabletop Fire Pit Explosion Occurs 

A typical incident unfolds in a matter of seconds: 

1. The user extinguishes the fire pit or believes it has been extinguished. 
2. The fuel chamber remains hot, even though it appears cool. 
3. Residual vapors hover above the surface of the fuel container. 
4. When new fuel is poured in, the vapors ignite, creating a column of flame that shoots outward several feet. 

This type of explosion produces a fireball that can engulf anyone nearby. Clothing often ignites instantly, and surrounding materials such as curtains or furniture may catch fire within seconds. 

Common Injuries 

Victims of tabletop fire pit explosions frequently sustain life-altering injuries that require months or years of treatment. Common injuries include: 

• Second- and third-degree burns to the face, hands, arms, and torso 

• Permanent disfigurement and visible scarring 

• Nerve damage and mobility loss 

• Airway burns and inhalation injuries 

• Severe psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress 

• Fatal injuries resulting from uncontrolled flames 

Many victims must undergo multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. Even with excellent medical care, permanent scarring and emotional trauma are common. 

Who May Be Liable 

Under product liability law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can all be held responsible when a defective or unreasonably dangerous product causes injury. Liability can arise from several legal theories, including: 

• Defective Design when the product lacks necessary safety mechanisms such as flame arrestors or heat sensors 

• Manufacturing Defect when specific units are produced with structural or material flaws that make them unstable 

• Failure to Warn when the manufacturer provides inadequate or misleading instructions about refueling or residual flames 

• Negligent Marketing or Distribution when a company continues to sell products despite known hazards or prior injury reports 

Searcy Denney works with chemical engineers, fire investigators, and human-factors experts to identify exactly how the product failed and which companies are responsible. 

Preserving Evidence 

If you or someone you love was injured by a tabletop fire pit, it is important to preserve every piece of evidence. Do not discard the fire pit or fuel container. Keep the following: 

• The product and all related fuel bottles or canisters 

• Packaging, manuals, and warning labels 

• Receipts or purchase records from the retailer or online platform 

• Photos or videos of the product, the scene, and the injuries 

• Medical documentation and any incident or fire reports 

Preserving these materials will help our experts reconstruct the event and prove how the defect caused the injuries. 

Recoverable Damages 

Victims of defective tabletop fire pits may be entitled to significant compensation, which can include: 

• Medical expenses, hospitalization, surgeries, and rehabilitation 

• Future medical care for scarring, reconstruction, and counseling 

• Lost wages and loss of future earning ability 

• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish 

• Loss of enjoyment of life and disfigurement 

• Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs and loss of companionship 

How Searcy Denney Handles These Cases 

Searcy Denney combines decades of product liability experience with extensive investigative resources. Our attorneys and experts: 

• Perform detailed forensic testing and failure analysis of the fire pit and fuel systems 

• Obtain safety and design documents from manufacturers through discovery 

• Retain medical and economic experts to calculate lifetime damages 

• Create visual and demonstrative exhibits that explain the physics of flame jetting 

• Coordinate with other firms on multi-plaintiff or national litigation when necessary 

Our firm has recovered billions of dollars for victims of defective products and catastrophic injuries. Each case is handled with care, precision, and commitment to justice. 

Nationwide Representation 

Although Searcy Denney is based in Florida, we represent clients throughout the United States. Our attorneys are experienced in coordinating national litigation and work with local counsel when necessary to comply with state-specific rules. 

We have represented victims in product liability cases in both state and federal courts across the country. Our goal is the same in every jurisdiction: to hold corporations accountable for putting profit ahead of safety and to obtain full compensation for our clients. 

Your Legal Rights and Time Limits 

Every state has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a product liability claim. In many states, this period ranges from two to four years after the date of injury. Some wrongful death claims and claims involving minors may have different time limits. 

Because evidence can be lost or destroyed over time, it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Once we take your case, we immediately move to secure the product, notify all responsible parties, and begin expert analysis. 

Searcy Denney handles all tabletop fire pit cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you. 

Contact Searcy Denney for a Free Case Evaluation 

If you or a loved one was burned or killed by a tabletop fire pit explosion, you deserve justice. These products should never have been sold without adequate warnings or safety mechanisms. 

Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley is one of the nation’s leading injury law firms. Our attorneys have secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in U.S. history for victims of corporate negligence and defective products. 

We are ready to help. 
Call (800) 780-8607 or visit SearcyLaw.com for a free and confidential consultation. 

No fees unless you win. 
Nationwide representation for victims of tabletop fire pit explosions and burns.