Alcohol Fire Pit Burn Injury Lawsuit

The Hidden Dangers of Alcohol Fire Pits: Defective Design and Flame Jetting

Alcohol fire pits, while a trendy addition to patios and living spaces, pose significant safety risks that many consumers are unaware of. These compact, stylish devices are marketed as safe and convenient sources of ambiance and warmth, but they can become dangerous under the wrong conditions. This article explores the primary risks of alcohol fire pits, including invisible flames, refilling accidents, and unsafe designs, with a specific focus on flame jetting—a phenomenon that can lead to devastating burn injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to an alcohol fire pit, the nationally recognized burn injury attorneys at Pritzker Hageman are here to help. Our experienced burn injury attorneys specialize in complex fire and explosion cases, securing justice and compensation for burn victims across the United States.

Understanding Alcohol Fire Pits and Their Appeal

Alcohol fire pits, also known as “Firepots” or “Ethanol Fireplaces”, are typically marketed as compact, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional wood or gas fire pits. They often use liquid alcohol fuels—such as isopropyl alcohol or ethanol—which are poured into a reservoir and ignited. Popular due to their portability and clean-burning properties, these devices come in a variety of designs, from concrete bowls to long tabletop models.

However, their simplicity and aesthetic appeal often overshadow critical safety considerations. Unlike traditional fire pits, alcohol fire pits:

• Burn with invisible flames that are difficult to see in daylight.
• Often lack sufficient safety labeling and design features to prevent misuse.
• Are susceptible to accidents when refueling, even when the flames appear to be extinguished.

These issues set the stage for potentially catastrophic accidents, including flame jetting.

What Is Flame Jetting?

Flame jetting is a sudden and intense burst of flames that occurs when a flammable liquid is poured into a container or reservoir that is already hot or contains a hidden flame. This phenomenon can happen quickly and unexpectedly, making it nearly impossible for users to react in time. Flame jetting can cause liquid inside the refueling container to ignite and shoot a stream of burning liquid 10-20 feet away from the fire pit. It is truly horrific and has led to hundreds of horrible burn injuries and deaths to fire pit users and bystanders.

How Flame Jetting Happens:

1. Residual Heat or Flames: The fire pit’s reservoir or surrounding area remains hot, or an invisible flame is still burning.
2. Refueling: A user pours liquid alcohol into the reservoir, not realizing that the conditions are unsafe.
3. Ignition: The fuel vapors ignite, propelling flames outward, often several feet from the source.

Real-Life Examples of Flame Jetting Accidents:

Recent recalls in the United States and Canada highlight the dangers of flame jetting. For example:

Colsen Fire Pit Recall

The Colsen Fire Pit recall involved 89,500 units after 31 incidents of flame jetting and burns were reported, with some victims suffering third-degree burns.

Flikrfire Firepot Recall

In Canada, the Flikrfire firepot recall revealed that inadequate labeling and warnings contributed to a flame jetting incident that caused burn injuries.

Other Risks Associated with Alcohol Fire Pits:

While flame jetting is one of the most dangerous risks, alcohol fire pits pose additional hazards:

1. Invisible Flames

• Alcohol flames are nearly invisible in bright light, making it difficult to determine if a fire pit is fully extinguished. This increases the likelihood of accidental contact or unsafe refueling.

2. Unsafe Refueling Methods

• Because flames may be invisible and almost all fire pits have no additional warnings or options to refuel without contacting the hot flame area, users inadvertently refuel alcohol fire pits while they are still hot or burning, leading to flash fires or explosions.
• The lack of clear instructions and warnings exacerbates this risk.

3. Design Defects

• Some fire pits are made with unstable materials or poorly sealed reservoirs, leading to leaks or spills.
• Inadequate safety features, such as flame guards or automatic extinguishers, leave users vulnerable to burns.

Pritzker Hageman: Your Trusted Advocates for Burn Injury Cases

If you or a loved one has been injured by an alcohol fire pit, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Pritzker Hageman, our award-winning legal team has decades of experience helping burn survivors and their families rebuild their lives.

Why Choose Pritzker Hageman?

1. Proven Track Record:

• Our attorneys have secured hundreds of millions of dollars for clients, our recoveries include record-breaking settlements in burn and explosion cases.
• Recent victories include $45 million for a pipeline explosion victim and $10 million for a propane explosion survivor.

2. Expert Investigation:

• We work with top industry experts to uncover the causes of accidents, identify liable parties, and build strong cases.
• In flame jetting cases, this includes evaluating design defects, insufficient warnings, and improper manufacturing.

3. Personalized Care and Guidance:

• We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of burn injuries. Our team provides compassionate support throughout the legal process. We are here every step of the way. Many of our clients have related to us how we made a difference in their lives even before we secured them substantial compensation for their injuries.
• We are advocates for burn victims both inside and outside the courtroom. We have been long-time supporters of the Phoenix Society, America’s top burn survivor’s advocacy and support organization. In fact, our attorneys wrote the book on taking legal action after a burn injury that Phoenix Society provides to its members.

4. We Represent Clients Nationwide :

• Pritzker Hageman handles cases in all 50 states, ensuring that burn victims across the country have access to top-tier legal representation.

The Path to Justice and Recovery

A burn injury lawsuit is not just about compensation—it’s about holding negligent manufacturers accountable and preventing future harm. By pursuing legal action, you can help ensure that unsafe products like alcohol fire pits are removed from the market or redesigned to meet higher safety standards.

At Pritzker Hageman, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of burn survivors. Our team has dedicated significant resources to supporting the burn survivor community, including donations to non-profits and partnerships with organizations like the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and the American Burn Association.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to an alcohol fire pit or any other hazardous product, contact Pritzker Hageman for a 100% free consultation.

Our experienced burn injury attorneys will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. With Pritzker Hageman on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal battles.