Brookstone Fire Pit Lawsuit Filed After Woman Suffers Second, Third Degree Burns

According to the complaint, the fire pit exploded as the woman’s husband was adding fuel last summer, resulting in her being sprayed with burning flames.

Chase and Michelle Kendall had no warning that the Brookstone tabletop fire pit they bought from Macy’s would erupt when they used it this summer, leaving Michelle covered in burning fuel and with severe, disfiguring injuries.

The couple filed a complaint (PDF) over the fire pit explosion in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan on January 15, indicating that Macy’s Retail Holdings Inc., Bkst Brand Holdings LLC (doing business as Brookstone) and Southern Telecom Inc. sold and distributed tabletop fire pits that are defectively designed and place individuals at risk of bodily harm.

Tabletop fire pits are small, decorative pieces intended for use either indoors or outdoors. They are fueled by rubbing alcohol or similar products. However, consumers and federal regulators have reported a growing number of tabletop fire pit explosions linked to the devices. During these incidents sudden jets of flame erupt during refueling, triggering flash fires that ignite clothing, furniture or anyone standing nearby.

In 2024, nearly 90,000 Colsen brand fire pits sold by Amazon, Walmart, Sharper Image and elsewhere were recalled following reports of at least 19 burn injuries. More recently, Five Below recalled approximately 66,000 tabletop fire pits in September 2025, after reports of leaking fuel caused flash fires and burn injuries.

The Kendalls’ claim joins a series of recent tabletop fire pit lawsuits filed throughout the U.S., alleging that serious defects are built into these products’ designs. Many of the complaints warn that manufacturers are recommending or providing fuel containers that do not contain flame suppressors, which would keep the fuel from flashing back into the bottles. 

Plaintiffs further contend the pits lack a basic safety feature that would alert users when flames are still burning, helping prevent fuel from being poured onto unseen fire.

According to the Kendalls’ lawsuit, they purchased the Brookstone fire pit at Macy’s in 2024, and went to use it last summer in June. When it appeared to go out, Chase Kendall tried to add fuel and relight it.

The couple reported that the fire pit exploded, spraying flaming fuel onto Michelle Kendall and causing severe second and third degree burns.

“The product was defective and unreasonably dangerous due to inadequate design, manufacturing flaws, and a lack of proper warnings. The explosion, which occurred during normal and foreseeable use, caused Michelle Kendall significant injuries, pain, and financial loss.”

– Michelle Kendall and Chase Kendall v. Macy’s Retail Holdings LLC et al

The complaint adds that the manufacturers and distributors failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of explosions, and failed to provide proper instructions for refueling and relighting the devices safely.

The Kendalls present claims of strict product liability, failure to warn, negligence, breach of warranty and loss of consortium, seeking both compensatory and punitive damages.

Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuits

The Kendalls’ Brookstone fire pit lawsuit comes as tabletop fire pit burn injury lawsuits are being investigated by attorneys nationwide due to hazardous products and designs being sold through Macy’s, Amazon.com, Walmart and other major retailers. Individuals who suffered physical or emotional harm from alcohol-fueled fire pit accidents may be entitled to compensation.

Injuries reported from tabletop fire pits include:

• Second- and third-degree burns requiring medical care
• Permanent scarring, nerve damage or reduced mobility
• Breathing injuries caused by sudden fire eruptions
• Burns to children or nearby bystanders
• Accidents involving flame jetting during refueling
• Fatal injuries linked to fire pit explosions
• Lost wages or time away from work
• Extended medical treatment, hospitalization or rehabilitation
• Long-term disfigurement or psychological trauma

Those who believe they may qualify can submit their information for a free case review. A tabletop fire pit attorney can help confirm which product was involved, determine whether the injury is connected to a recalled or dangerous model and outline available legal options.

These cases are typically handled on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless a recovery is made.

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