Recalled Product Information
On December 19, 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Product Safety Warning (No. 25-073) concerning FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces. These small fire pits—available in square, round, XL, and mini models—are now flagged as a safety risk. The CPSC urges all consumers to discontinue use immediately.
FLIKRFIRE products were available from 2018 through 2024 on several major online platforms, including Amazon, Macy’s, Nordstrom, CB2, Neiman Marcus, Huckberry, and others. Prices for these units ranged from $35 to $105.
Understanding Fire Pits
Fire pits, commonly called fire bowls, firepots, tabletop fireplaces, or patio burners, are designed to create an ambient outdoor flame. While they provide warmth and aesthetic appeal, recent reports highlight significant burn injury risks associated with specific fire pit models. Due to these safety concerns, Johnson//Becker, PLLC, is actively investigating cases involving fire pit-related injuries.
The Danger of Fire Pits
Most fire pits use isopropyl alcohol or similar liquid fuels, which are highly flammable. When ignited, these fuels can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,600°F. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned that lighting liquid fuel in an open fire pit can lead to unpredictable, intense flames—posing serious burn and fire hazards.
The Threat of “Flame Jetting”
A particularly dangerous phenomenon known as flame jetting can occur when adding fuel to a fire pit that still contains an active flame. Since alcohol flames can be nearly invisible, individuals may unknowingly pour fuel into a fire, causing a sudden eruption of fire and burning liquid—a situation described by victims as behaving like a “blowtorch” or “flamethrower.”
CPSC’s and Health Canada’s Fire Pit Safety Advisory
In its December 19, 2024, warning, the CPSC stated that tabletop fire pits, including those under the FLIKRFIRE brand, have been involved in at least two fatalities and over 60 injury cases since 2019.
Health Canada had previously issued warnings about the risks of ethanol-fueled fire pits back in 2018, highlighting their potential dangers years before these recent recalls. At the time, Health Canada noted multiple flame-jetting incidents that involved horrific injuries and multiple deaths. Jeff Tebby with Ontario’s Fire Marshal’s office stated, “the person doing the pouring [of the fuel] is usually not the one hurt; it’s the victim in the direct path of the flame jet.”
Fire Pit Burn Injury Cases
Numerous individuals have suffered severe burns due to fire pits, with many requiring intensive medical care, including skin grafts. Some high-profile incidents include:
May 9, 2018: Hana Engel sustained second and third-degree burns after being engulfed in flames at a gathering hosted by NHL player Cody Ceci.
2019: A Toronto woman and her one-year-old niece suffered severe burns due to a defective fire pot.
2019: Dr. Michelle McLauchlin, a Toronto physician, tragically lost her life after a fire pit accident left her with burns covering 95% of her body.
Exploring Your Legal Options
At Johnson//Becker, PLLC, our legal team specializes in burn injury claims and product liability cases. We are committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable for the harm their defective products cause.
If you’ve been affected by a fire pit or tabletop fireplace accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation by filling out the form below or calling (800) 279-6386.
Our firm advocates for consumer safety and ensures manufacturers take responsibility for dangerous products.
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.