Kizzby Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuit Claims Alcohol-Fueled Bowl Exploded, Igniting Woman’s Hand

Woman claims her hand became engulfed in flames as she attempted to move the tabletop fire pit bowl, causing severe burn injuries that required her rings to be cut from her fingers.

A product liability lawsuit has been filed by a North Carolina woman claiming the defective design of a Kizzby fire pit bowl sold through Amazon allowed its flammable vapors to explode suddenly and without warning.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Margaret Dineen in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. It names Amazon.com Inc., Amazon.com Services LLC, Amazon.com LLC, Li You Xian Gong Si, an unnamed corporation doing business as Kizzby Fire Pits, and Kobi Tools Inc. as defendants.

Tabletop fire pits, like the one manufactured by Kizzby and sold on Amazon, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are often promoted as stylish indoor or outdoor accessories that use liquid or gel fuels, including alcohol-based products, to produce an open flame. However, if the units are defectively designed or lack proper safety features, flammable vapors may accumulate and ignite unexpectedly, leading to sudden flare-ups, flashback flames or explosive bursts.

In a number of reported incidents, these unexpected ignitions have caused serious burn injuries to handlers and those nearby. As reports of injuries and safety concerns grow, a wave of product warnings and tabletop fire pit lawsuits have been filed, alleging that many of these alcohol-fueled devices are defectively designed, fail to comply with safety standards and do not include adequate warnings for consumers.

Kizzby Tabletop Fire Pit Allegations

According to the complaint, Dineen indicates the incident occurred when she attempted to move her tabletop fire pit while it was fueled with isopropyl alcohol. The flammable vapors allegedly exploded suddenly, causing a flashback that ignited her hand, resulting in serious and painful burn injuries, which required medical treatment and have resulted in ongoing physical and emotional damages.

The lawsuit claims the fire pit was being used in a reasonably foreseeable manner at the time of the incident. However, it goes on to indicate that the product itself must have created an unreasonably dangerous condition due to the way it handled liquid fuel and open flame.

As a result, Dineen alleges the fire pit was defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous, particularly due to risks associated with the use of fuels like isopropyl alcohol, which can ignite suddenly or spread flames in an unpredictable manner.

The complaint argues that the defendants failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions regarding the risks of flare-ups, flame propagation and the potential for ignition during routine handling of the product. Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges Amazon played a direct role in the sale and distribution of the fire pit, acting as more than just a third-party platform.

“Though now deleted from its site, upon information and belief, Amazon advertised, promoted, and sold the Fire Pit with representations that it was ‘100% safe,’ intended for ‘indoor or outdoor use,’ and can be used ‘to cook S’mores or place it in the center of your desk, main dining table or as an outdoor fireplace in your garden, patio or balcony for a warm and comfortable atmosphere, and it is also perfect for camping and parties.’”

— Margaret Dineen v. Amazon.com Inc. et al

The lawsuit raises allegations of products liability, negligence and willful/wanton conduct, breach of implied warranty, breach of express warranty, and unfair and deceptive trade practices against the defendants. It is seeking punitive damages.

Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuits

As incidents like Dineen’s continue to be reported across the U.S., attorneys are pursuing tabletop fire pit lawsuits for individuals who have been injured by “flame jetting” incidents, flashbacks and other sudden flare-ups or explosions.

Reported injuries associated with these products include:

• Second- and third-degree burns requiring medical treatment
• Permanent scarring, nerve damage or reduced mobility
• Inhalation injuries from sudden bursts of flame
• Burns to children or others nearby
• Flare-ups during refueling
• Fatal injuries linked to fire pit incidents
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Ongoing medical care, including hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Lasting disfigurement or emotional and psychological harm

Individuals who have suffered burn injuries from one of these devices can request a free case review with a tabletop fire pit burn injury lawyer to help identify the product, determine whether it was defective or subject to a recall, and explain potential legal options.

These 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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