The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a critical warning regarding fire pits designed to burn pooled alcohol or other liquid fuels, urging consumers to immediately stop using and dispose of these dangerous products.
This alert follows alarming reports linking these fire pits to two fatalities and at least 60 injuries since 2019.
These fire pits, which are often marketed as tabletop fire pits, fire pots, miniature fireplaces, or portable indoor fires, require users to pour isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol or similar liquid fuels into an open container or bowl before igniting the pooled liquid.
Such practices violate the voluntary safety standard ASTM F3363-19, which aims to mitigate risks associated with pool fires and flame jetting—a hazardous phenomenon that can occur during refueling.
Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and comparable fuels burn at temperatures exceeding 1,600°F, capable of inflicting third-degree burns in less than one second.
Consumers should be aware that igniting a pool of these highly flammable liquids can lead to uncontrollable fires, producing larger flames that may spread beyond the confines of the fire pit.
The risk escalates during the refueling process; if any flame is present, even a small one, it can ignite the alcohol as it is poured, resulting in an explosion that can project flames and burning liquid onto the user or nearby individuals.
The CPSC’s move comes after previous warnings about specific brands, including the recent recall of Colsen-branded tabletop fire pits and a warning against the use of FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces.
The CPSC has released a safety video highlighting the dangers of flame jetting, demonstrating the far-reaching impacts of this hazard.
Retailers and e-commerce platforms are urged to cease sales of these hazardous fire pits immediately. Consumers are advised to take swift action to ensure their safety, which are to stop using the products and dispose of them properly.
Those who have experienced injuries or have encountered dangerous products are encouraged to report their experiences at www.SaferProducts.gov.
In light of this warning, consumers should prioritize safety and stay informed about the risks associated with these fire pits.