Fire Pit Burn Lawsuits Mount as CPSC Issues Warning Over New Flame Jetting Injuries, Death

Rozato tabletop fire pits have yet to be recalled by the manufacturer, following reports of a fatality that prompted a federal safety warning.

Over the past year, dozens of personal injury and product liability lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers and distributors of small tabletop fire pits, alleging the devices can cause flames to flash back into fuel containers, leading to explosions, severe burns, and in at least one case, death.

Marketed as decorative indoor and outdoor accessories, these small, portable fire pits are typically fueled by liquid or gel-based substances, often alcohol-based. As their popularity has grown, so have reports that the products may be defectively designed and lack adequate safety features.

Numerous reports indicate that many of these devices lack a clear way for users to tell whether the flame is still lit, which can be difficult to see in certain conditions. This may lead consumers to attempt to refuel or relight the unit while it is still burning. Without flame arrestors in the fuel containers, flammable vapors can ignite unexpectedly and travel back into the bottle, creating a dangerous “flame jet” effect that can cause explosions and spray burning fuel onto nearby individuals.

Many instances have resulted in severe burn injuries for those nearby, which have led to dozens of tabletop fire pit lawsuits filed nationwide. The lawsuits indicate the devices are defectively designed, should recommend or provide fuel containers with flame arrestors, and should include an indicator that makes it easy to tell the fire is still going.

Rozato Tabletop Fire Pit Warning

According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warning, explosions involving these devices can do more than cause severe injuries. They have also resulted in at least one death.

The CPSC issued the Rozato Tabletop Fire Pits warning earlier this month, linking the devices to uncontrolled fires caused by fuel pooling on their surfaces. This has led to at least one death and multiple other burn injuries, in addition to flashback and flame jetting problems, the commission reports.

“The Rozato Tabletop Fire Pits are rectangular or round containers that require consumers to pour liquid fuel into the container and then ignite the pooled liquid in the same location it was poured.  Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, ethanol/bioethanol, and similar liquid fuels can burn with flame temperatures over 1,600°F and can cause third degree burns in less than one second.  Igniting a pool of alcohol or other liquid fuel in the fire pit’s open container can result in an uncontrolled pool fire, which can suddenly produce larger, hotter flames that can spread beyond the fire pit product. “

– U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

The fire pits were sold in a set that included a bamboo serving board, roasting forks, cheese forks and a cheese knife. They come in either rectangular or round designs and have been sold through Rozato.store, Amazon.com, StoreDune.com, StovesDirect.com, RetailMarket.net and other online sellers since 2022 for $15 to $70.

The report indicates Rozato has not yet agreed to issue a recall.

The CPSC urges consumers to stop using Rozato tabletop fire pits immediately and dispose of them. Any injuries or other product incidents should be reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.

Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuits

Due to numerous similar recalls and injury reports, attorneys nationwide continue to investigate potential tabletop firepit lawsuits for those who were injured or lost loved ones to incidents caused by flame jetting, flashbacks or sudden explosions.

Injuries linked to tabletop fire pits include:

• Second- and third-degree burns requiring medical treatment
• Permanent scarring, nerve damage or limited mobility
• Inhalation injuries caused by sudden bursts of flame
• Burns affecting children or nearby individuals
• Incidents occurring during refueling that trigger flare-ups
• Fatal injuries linked to fire pit explosions
• Lost income due to time away from work
• Ongoing medical care, including hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Lasting disfigurement or emotional and psychological trauma

Individuals who have suffered burn injuries and believe they have a claim can receive a free case evaluation, during which a tabletop fire pit attorney may help identify the product involved, assess whether it was defective or subject to recall, and explain potential legal options.

All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and attorneys are only paid if compensation is recovered.

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