Lawsuit Claims Amazon Tabletop Fire Pit Exploded, Caused Minor’s Third-Degree Burn Injuries

Case joins a growing number of tabletop fire pit lawsuits against Amazon and other companies, each raising similar allegations that the products were defectively designed, and prone to explode during normal use.

A product liability lawsuit filed last week alleges that a tabletop fire pit purchased through Amazon unexpectedly exploded while being refilled, leaving a minor with severe burn injuries.

Jordan Covington, Aaron Covignton, Jr. and Joy Covington brought the complaint (PDF) in California Superior Court on May 4, naming Vatra Inc., Amazon.com Sales Inc., doing business as Amazon.com, Amazon.com Services LLC, and Amazon Logistics Inc. as defendants. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on May 7.

The family claims that a Vatra brand concrete tabletop fire pit was defectively designed and prone to explode during normal use, posing a serious and undisclosed burn risk to consumers.

Tabletop Fire Pit Risks

Tabletop fire pits have surged in popularity as decorative indoor and outdoor accessories in recent years. These devices typically rely on liquid or gel fuels, often alcohol-based, to create an open flame.

However, when they are poorly designed or lack appropriate safety protections, vapors can build up and ignite without warning, resulting in sudden flare-ups, flashback flames or even explosions, which have resulted in serious and even fatal tabletop fire pit burn injuries.

As concerns about these devices continue to mount, an increasing number of tabletop fire pit lawsuits have been filed raising allegations that certain products are defectively designed, fail to meet safety standards and do not provide adequate warnings about the risks.

Fire Pit Explosion Allegations

According to the lawsuit, the Covington family purchased the portable ethanol fire pit through Amazon.com in December 2023 from third-party seller Vatra Inc., after it was marketed as a safe, indoor-outdoor tabletop device fueled by isopropyl alcohol.

The lawsuit claims that the product’s instructions specifically directed users to fill and refill the fire pit with 70% or 90% isopropyl alcohol, a process that plaintiffs say created a foreseeable and dangerous risk of explosion.

The alleged incident occurred on May 4, 2024, when Jordan, a minor, was using the fire pit in a reasonably foreseeable manner and attempting to refill it with rubbing alcohol. During that process, the device allegedly malfunctioned and suddenly exploded, causing second- and third-degree burns.

Jordan’s parents were present at the time and witnessed the explosion and resulting injuries, the lawsuit states.

According to the complaint, Amazon processed the transaction, controlled communications between buyer and seller, and collected a portion of the sale, while allowing the product to be listed and sold to consumers nationwide.

The Covingtons argue that both the manufacturer and Amazon should be held liable for placing a dangerous and defective product into the stream of commerce without proper warnings or safeguards.

“As a result of Plaintiffs’ use of Defendants’ Subject Fire Pit, Plaintiff Jordan Covington suffered from severe second and third degree burns when the defective Subject Fire Pit suddenly and unexpectedly exploded while Plaintiff Jordan Covington was attempting to refill it.”

— Jordan Covington et al v. Vatra Inc. et al

The lawsuit raises allegations of strict product liability, negligence, breach of express and implied warranties, failure to recall, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It seeks damages for Jordan’s injuries and other related losses.

Tabletop Fire Pit Lawsuits

As reports of incidents like the Covington case continue to surface nationwide, lawyers are investigating tabletop fire pit lawsuits on behalf of individuals injured in accidents involving sudden flare-ups, flashback flames and so-called “flame jetting” events.

Injuries tied to these products have included:

• Second- and third-degree burns requiring medical care
• Permanent scarring, nerve damage or limited mobility
• Inhalation injuries caused by sudden bursts of flame
• Burns suffered by children or nearby bystanders
• Fires or flare-ups occurring during refueling
• Fatal injuries linked to fire pit explosions
• Lost income from missed work
• Ongoing treatment needs, including hospitalization and rehabilitation
• Long-term disfigurement or emotional trauma

Individuals harmed by one of these devices may request a free case evaluation with a tabletop fire pit injury lawyer, who can help identify the product involved, determine whether it was defective or recalled, and outline potential legal options.

Attorneys handling these cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs and legal fees are only paid if compensation is obtained.

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