Big Lots Torch Recall Issued After Burn Reports

Roughly 30,000 tabletop torches sold exclusively at Big Lots have been recalled after multiple reports were received of the fuel erupting from the metal container, resulting in 20 incidents of property damage and at least two cases where consumers suffered severe second and third degree burns.  

A Big Lots Tabletop Torch recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on August 8, due to a risk that the torch may flare up and splatter burning lamp oil on to property and people nearby.

Two cases of severe burn injury have been reported to the manufacturer. One report indicated a consumer suffered severe burns to the legs and abdomen whereas another report indicated a consumer suffered severe burns over their entire body while attempting to extinguish the flames. Seven additional reports of minor burn have also been reported as well as 20 reports of property damage.

The recall impacts large torches with item number DC12-21111 and small tabletop torches with item number DC10-20160. The large tabletop torches weigh about 2 ½ pounds and measure 10 inches in diameter by 5 inches in height whereas the small torches weight about a pound and measure 5 inches in diameter by 5 ½ inches in height. Both sizes have multi-colored glass in a mosaic pattern and come with a wick and a steel fuel container. The torches have “Table Top Torch distributed by Big Lots, Inc.” printed on a yellow label on the large torches and a on a hang tag on the small torches.

The recalled torches were manufactured in India under Big Lots of Columbus, Ohio and were sold exclusively by Big Lots stores nationwide from March 2013 through June 2013 for between $8 and $20.

A similar recall was issued about two years ago, after the CPSC raised concerns about some types of lamp oil fuel, specifically gel fuel. In September 2011, the CPSC announced an industry wide recall of about 158,000 bottles of gel fuel from five different manufacturers after the products were linked to at least two deaths and 65 other incidents, including 34 injuries that required hospitalization. The CPSC announced the fuels are very hazardous because the products have a tendency to ignite unexpectedly, usually when poured on firepots that consumers do not realize are still hot. In this case the gel can ignite into a flash fire and may splatter onto nearby victims.

The fuel used in the recalled Big Lots torches is liquid citronella.

Consumers should stop using the recalled torches immediately and return them to any Big Lots store for a full refund. Consumers with questions may also contact Big Lots at (866) 244-5687 or visit them online at www.biglots.com.