What Are Fire Pits?
Fire Pits, sometimes called fire tables, are open concrete containers or bowls used to bring comfort and warmth outdoors. However, recent reports alleging burn injuries caused by some fire pits have led to serious concerns about their safety. The lawyers at Johnson//Becker, PLLC, are now accepting cases involving injuries from fire pits.
What’s the problem?
Fire pits use pooled isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or similar liquid to ignite and burn. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is a highly flammable, smokeless fuel with flame temperatures over 1,600°F. As a result, exposure to liquid alcohol can cause severe first-, second-, and third-degree burn injuries in less than one second. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (“CPSC”), igniting a pool of alcohol or other liquid fuel in a fire pit’s open container creates an uncontrollable pool fire, which can suddenly produce larger, hotter flames that can spread beyond the fire pit product and onto anyone nearby.
A second issue, called flame jetting, can also occur. According to the ACS (American Chemical Society) Institute, flame jetting happens when the consumer is filling alcohol into a fire pit, and there is a flame present. A small flame in the fire pit can be hard to see and can ignite alcohol or other liquid fuel as it is poured, causing an explosion that propels flames and burning liquid onto the consumer or bystanders.
The CPSC’s Fire Pit Safety Warning
On December 19, 2024, the CPSC issued a Product Safety Warning indicating that “[t]hese fire pits are extremely dangerous and have been associated with two deaths and at least 60 injuries since 2019.” The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the fire pits immediately and sellers to stop selling them.
Fire Pit Burn Injury Cases in the News
Victims of fire pit incidents have suffered from first-, second-, and third-degree burn injuries, and many have required medical treatment. Examples include:
- December 31, 2024: A 9-year-old child and a woman were injured in a fire caused by “an indoor ignitable liquid flame kit.”
- November 16, 2024: According to a news report, a man in Baltimore died after falling into a fire pit.
- July 29, 2024: Cleveland Browns Tight End David Njoku recounted how he was injured by a defective fire pit.
Fire Pit Lawsuits and Class Action Lawsuit
A Florida couple recently filed a lawsuit against fire pit manufacturer Colsen Fire Pits, LLC, alleging the tabletop fire pit created a “blow-torch”-like effect, resulting in burn injuries. The case was filed in the Southern District of Florida.
On October 28, 2024, Shaneka Barnhart filed a class action lawsuit against Colsen Fire Pits, LLC in North Carolina federal court, alleging that the fire pits are “unfit…because there’s a risk for a significant burn injury.”
What Should I Do If I’m Injured By A Fire Pit?
If you’ve been injured by a fire pit, please seek immediate medical attention. The severity of burn injuries is not always immediately apparent, and left untreated, they can lead to painful blistering and infection. Your health, well-being, and safety are our priority.
After you address your safety and health, keep the fire pit and any packaging or accessories that came with it. This may be important evidence in your legal case.
Questions About a Fire Pit Lawsuit?
The attorneys at Johnson//Becker are here to help. We have years of experience representing clients in burn injury and explosion cases and understand the complexities involved in these claims.
We offer free case evaluations and can help determine whether you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Contact us today by completing the form below or calling (800) 279-6386.
At Johnson//Becker, PLLC, we are dedicated to holding manufacturers and sellers accountable for putting dangerous products into the hands of consumers.
Free Case Evaluation
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (800) 279-6386.