Last updated
2023-12-21
Summary
Product
Portable firepots, also known as firebowls, flamepots, or tabletop firepits, are decorative lighting accents that support an open flame by burning liquid or gel fuels.
Issue
Consumer products – Burn hazard
Consumer products – Fire hazard
Consumer products – Flammability hazard
Consumer products – Injury hazard
What to do
Never fuel firepots with rubbing alcohol or other flammable liquids from a container that does not have a flame arrestor to help prevent the spread of flames.
Issue
Certain firepot manufacturers recommend the use of rubbing alcohol products as a fuel for firepots, which has led to two incidents of severe burn injuries in Canada.
Health Canada is warning people not to fuel firepots with rubbing alcohol products (i.e., solutions of isopropyl alcohol or ethanol), even if instructions suggest it. This is a dangerous practice that can lead to serious fire and burn risks.
Rubbing alcohol products are typically sold for antiseptic purposes and are not intended to be used with firepots. It is dangerous to use rubbing alcohol products as a fuel source for firepots because rubbing alcohol containers typically do not have a flame arrestor. Other containers of flammable liquids without a flame arrestor should also never be used for fueling a firepot. A flame arrestor looks like a screen that is built into the container opening and is a device that lowers the chances of flame jetting.
Flame jetting is when a fireball bursts from a container of fuel which can cause serious injuries, even death. This happens very quickly when a flammable liquid, from a container without a flame arrestor, is poured into a firepot that is still burning or hot. The flame can travel up the stream of the fuel and into the container. This can lead to a burst of flaming fuel jetting out of the container. The resulting flame jet poses a serious fire and burn risk to the user and anyone nearby. Health Canada advises consumers to only use a fuel container with a flame arrestor or to choose a non-refillable gel fuel canister as a safer alternative for fueling firepots.
If using a portable firepot that requires liquid fuel to refuel:
Do not use rubbing alcohol, or any other flammable liquid in a container that does not have a flame arrestor. A flame arrestor looks like a screen that is built into the container opening. (see photo below for examples)
Other safety tips for portable firepots:
Alert: Health Canada warns Canadians of health and safety risks of certain containers of pourable alcohol-based fuels and certain firepots that use pourable fuels
Portable fireplaces, firepots, fondue pots and pourable fuels safety: the risk of flame jetting
If you or a loved one were burned by a tabletop or mini firepot, do not assume it was your fault. Many of these products were defectively designed and sold without proper flame arrestors or warnings. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, scarring, and long-term care.
Learn more about your legal options after a fire pit explosion, the responsibility of retailers and sellers, or how to start a fire pit burn injury claim.
Free case review — Call 1-800-447-FIRE for nationwide legal help.
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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.
