Fire Pit Explosions & Injuries, Spark Nationwide Lawsuits
Across the United States, consumers are filing lawsuits and joining investigations after small decorative fire pits exploded without warning. These compact devices—often marketed as tabletop fire pits or personal fireplaces—can turn from ambiance accessories into firebombs in seconds when fueled with alcohol or ethanol gel.
Invisible flames, unstable vapors, and poor safety design have led to hospitalizations, skin-graft surgeries, and even fatalities. After multiple recalls and federal warnings, at least one class action lawsuit has now been filed, and more are under investigation.
A federal class action, Barnhart v. Colsen Fire Pits, LLC (W.D.N.C. 3:24-cv-00945), was filed October 28 2024.
It follows the Oct. 17 2024 CPSC recall of nearly 89,000 Colsen units after 31 reports of flames escaping and 19 hospitalizations.
Claims include:
The lawsuit seeks damages, refunds, medical-monitoring costs, and injunctive relief for U.S. purchasers. Read more on the Colsen Fire Pit Recall.
The CPSC recalled 66,000 Five Below fire pits in September 2025 for flame-jetting and leaking fuel.
Models with UPC 1922343012788 and 1922346316838 were sold nationwide for $2.50–$5.
While no confirmed injuries exist yet, law firms are investigating. Details: Five Below Fire Pit Recall
FLÎKRfire’s “personal fireplace” received a stop-use alert in late 2024 after multiple burns and a fatality.
The company ceased operations, leaving owners without refund options. See CPSC Fire Pit Warnings
Alcohol-fueled devices can ignite invisibly and violently when refueled too soon.
Common hazards:
Under ASTM F3363-19 and the Consumer Product Safety Act, companies must:
Failing these duties can create strict-liability exposure for both manufacturers and retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair, Five Below).
Possible recovery includes:
Learn more at Tabletop Fire Pit Injury Lawsuits.
Filing Deadlines for a Fire Pit Burn or Explosion Lawsuit Every fire-pit injury case is controlled by the statute of limitations, and the deadline varies widely by state. In many states, you must file a products liability or personal injury claim within 2 years of the accident. While others allow 3–4 years, and a few have only a 1-year filing deadline. Don’t Guess, Talk to a Lawyer Today!
Yes. A federal class action lawsuit was filed against Colsen Fire Pits, LLC on October 28, 2024 in North Carolina. The case claims Colsen sold unsafe alcohol-fueled tabletop fire pits that violated federal safety standards.
The October 17, 2024 CPSC recall involved about 89,000 Colsen tabletop fire pits after 31 reports of flames escaping and 19 burn injuries. Owners were told to stop using and dispose of the product.
Not yet. Investigations are underway, but as of late 2025, Colsen remains the only confirmed class action.
They use ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which can ignite invisibly. When refueled too soon, vapors ignite and create a “flame jetting” explosion that can engulf nearby users.
Yes. The class includes all U.S. purchasers of the recalled Colsen tabletop fire pits, even if no injury occurred. Class members can pursue refunds or compensation for unsafe or unusable products. Do not return the product if an injury accident occurred with it. It is critical evidence in your case
Victims have suffered severe burns & scars from a fire pit explosion, including severe second- and third-degree burns, skin graft surgeries, facial scars, and permanent disfigurement. Some required hospitalization for weeks and long-term trauma therapy.
Stop using it immediately. Photograph the product, keep the box or receipt, and store it away from heat sources. Do not resell or donate it—it’s illegal to distribute recalled products.
Usually no. Always review with a lawyer any paperwork before accepting recall compensation. Be Careful, Don’t Let a Refund of $50-75 damage your case. Talk to a Lawyer First.
Victims may recover:
Many states give one to two years to file a personal injury or product liability claim. Some allow three or four years for economic losses. Wrongful death claims may have a shorter one-year limit. Call an attorney ASAP to find out the correct date that applies to all parties in your particular case.
These products must meet ASTM F3363-19, which sets design and labeling requirements to prevent flame-jetting. Failure to comply can be grounds for product defect lawsuits.
A class action seeks recovery for all purchasers (economic loss), while individual lawsuits focus on personal injury claims for burns or disfigurement. Some victims may qualify for both.
You may still have a claim. Retailers can share liability for selling defective or recalled products. Purchase confirmations and photos of listings help document your case.
Evidence can include:
Gather your proof of purchase, product details, or photos showing your model. Then contact an attorney experienced in fire pit explosion and product defect cases for a free review.
When fire pit explosions cause devastating burns, 40+ years of complex product liability experience matters. Attorney David P. Willis is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer in Texas since 1988 — a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys and licensed in New York as well.
With over 40 years of trial experience and service as a former attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, David Willis has built a national reputation handling catastrophic burn and product-liability cases. His firm represents victims in fire pit explosion lawsuits.
No Fees or Expenses Ever Charged Unless Your Win.
Call 1-800-447-FIRE or use our secure online form to begin your free, confidential case review today.
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FirePitLawsuits.com – National investigations of alcohol-fueled fire pit explosions and burn injuries. * Willis is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law (since 1988), certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.Representing injured clients nationwide through association with local attorneys in compliance with each state’s bar rules. Licensed in Texas and New York. Willis Law Firm, 5005 Riverway Drive, Suite 160, Houston, Tx. – Principal Place of Business – All meetings by appointment only.
Acknowledgment & Thank You – Certain Safety Images and Public-Education Materials, Alerts, and Warnings referenced on this site are courtesy of Health Canada and the CPSC.
