Table Of Contents
- How Defective Fire Pit Tables Increase Burn Risks
- Notable Incidents of Burn Injuries from Fire Pit Tables
- Fire Pit Table Recalls
- Legal Ramifications: Holding Manufacturers Accountable
- Types of Claims in Fire Pit Lawsuits
- Notable Settlements
- The Importance of Fire Pit Safety
- What to Do If You’re Injured by a Defective Fire Pit Table
- Oakmont Fire Pit Table Recall
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- Do I Have a Fire Pit Table Lawsuit?
How Defective Fire Pit Tables Increase Burn Risks
Fire pit tables are designed to contain and control fire safely. However, defects in design, materials, or manufacturing can turn these devices into hazards. The most common issues include:
1. Propane or Gas Leaks – Faulty valves, connections, or seals can cause gas leaks, leading to uncontrolled flames or explosions. Even a minor leak can result in a dangerous flash fire when ignited.
2. Structural Instability – Some fire pit tables are poorly constructed, making them prone to tipping over. A table that collapses during use can cause burns or fires.
3. Glass Explosions – Fire pits with tempered glass or glass barriers may shatter due to intense heat, sending sharp fragments flying and exposing users to burns.
4. Inadequate Heat Insulation – Improper insulation can cause the surface of the table to overheat, leading to accidental contact burns for users who place their hands or items on the table.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire pits were responsible for over 5,300 residential fires in 2022, with a significant portion linked to defective or improperly used products (NFPA, 2023).
Notable Incidents of Burn Injuries from Fire Pit Tables
Case 1: Gas Explosion Leads to Severe Burns
In a 2021 incident in Colorado, a family using a propane fire pit table suffered severe burns when a gas leak caused a sudden explosion. Two family members required skin graft surgeries, and their attorney alleged that the manufacturer failed to warn consumers about the potential for leaks.
“We trusted this product to be safe for our family gatherings, but instead, it caused unimaginable pain and suffering,” said one of the victims during a press conference.
Case 2: Glass Barrier Shatters
In 2022, a woman in Florida filed a lawsuit against a fire pit manufacturer after the tempered glass barrier on her table exploded during use. The shards caused lacerations and second-degree burns. Investigators found that the glass had not been adequately heat-tested.
Case 3: Overheating Surface Causes Contact Burns
A 2020 report detailed an incident where a poorly insulated fire pit table caused second-degree burns to a child who accidentally touched its overheated surface. The parents sued the manufacturer for failing to include warnings about the risks of surface burns.
Fire Pit Table Recalls
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued several recalls for fire pit products due to various safety hazards. Below is a list of notable recalls, including product details and associated risks:
1. Colsen Tabletop Fire Pits
Hazard: Risk of serious burn injuries from flame jetting and fire spreading hazards.
Details: These indoor/outdoor tabletop fire pits consist of a concrete open reservoir intended to contain burning liquid alcohol. Models vary in size from 5 to 18 inches and come in various shapes, including round, rectangular, hexagonal, square, or skull-shaped. The fire pits are gray or black and include a flame extinguisher with the “Colsen” brand printed on it.
Recall Date: October 17, 2024.
Link: Colsen Fire Pits Recall [1.]
2. FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces
Hazard: Flame jetting and fire hazards leading to serious burn injuries.
Details: These small, decorative bowls require consumers to pour isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol into the bowl and then ignite the pooled alcohol in the same location. This process violates voluntary safety standards designed to prevent pool fires and flame jetting.
Recall Date: December 19, 2024.
Link: FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces Warning [2.]
3. Sunjoy’s Oakmont LP Fire Pit Tables
Hazard: Fire hazard due to potential gas leaks.
Details: The natural tile, square fire pit tables measure about 38 inches wide, 38 inches deep, and 25.6 inches high. They have a powder-coated steel frame with an all-weather wicker base that conceals a 20 lb. liquid propane (LP) tank.
Recall Date: February 21, 2018.
Link: Sunjoy Oakmont Fire Pit Tables Recall [3.]
4. Real Flame Arroyo and Hideaway Wood Burning Fire Pits
Hazard: Wood stored under the unit can ignite, posing a fire hazard.
Details: The Arroyo is a black chimenea-style fireplace measuring about 5 feet high and 1.5 feet wide, with UPC 752370060107. The Hideaway is a black round wood-burning fireplace measuring about 1.5 feet high and 3 feet wide, with UPC 752370064501.
Recall Date: July 15, 2021.
Link: Real Flame Fire Pits Recall [4.]
5. Hampton Bay Cross Ridge Outdoor Gas Fire Pit Table Patio Heaters
Hazard: Burn hazard due to potential gas leaks.
Details: The fire pit has an antique bronze finish with a natural slate tabletop and a black base that holds a propane tank. Model number G-FTB51057B and UPC 6944937601579.
Recall Date: February 21, 2018.
Link: Hampton Bay Fire Pit Recall [5.]
Legal Ramifications: Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Fire pit table lawsuits often fall under product liability law, which holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers responsible for the safety of their products.
Types of Claims in Fire Pit Lawsuits
- Defective Design: Claims that the product’s design is inherently unsafe, such as poor heat insulation or an unstable base.
- Manufacturing Defects: Allegations that errors during production led to a faulty product, such as improper assembly of gas valves.
- Failure to Warn: Accusations that the manufacturer did not provide adequate warnings or instructions about potential hazards.
Notable Settlements
In 2023, a major fire pit manufacturer settled a class-action lawsuit for $10 million, compensating over 50 plaintiffs who suffered injuries from gas leaks and overheating issues.
Individual lawsuits have resulted in verdicts ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, depending on the severity of the injuries and the degree of negligence proven.
The Importance of Fire Pit Safety
1. Choose Certified Products – Look for fire pit tables that meet safety standards set by organizations like the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
2. Regular Maintenance – Inspect gas connections and valves for leaks before each use.
Replace worn-out parts promptly.
3. Keep a Safe Distance – Ensure at least 3 feet of clearance around the fire pit to prevent accidental contact with flames or hot surfaces.
4. Use in a Well-Ventilated Area – Avoid using fire pit tables indoors or in enclosed spaces to prevent gas buildup and carbon monoxide poisoning.
A study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that proper maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines could reduce fire pit-related injuries by 40% (CPSC, 2022).
What to Do If You’re Injured by a Defective Fire Pit Table
If you or a loved one suffers an injury from a defective fire pit table, take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
1. Seek Medical Attention – Burn injuries can be severe and require immediate treatment. Document your injuries with medical records and photographs.
2. Preserve Evidence – Keep the fire pit table, its packaging, and any receipts or manuals. These items can serve as crucial evidence in a lawsuit.
3. Report the Incident – File a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to alert regulators about the defective product.
4. Consult an Attorney – A qualified product liability lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Oakmont Fire Pit Table Recall
Sunjoy Industries Co., Ltd., is recalling about 11,000 Oakmont LP fire pit tables after the company received at least 17 reports of the propane hoses being installed incorrectly and 12 of the tables igniting, resulting in 4 reports of minor property damage and 1 personal injury.
This recall affects Sunjoy Oakmont LP fire pit tables, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) [1].
“An incorrectly installed burner kit hose can melt and ignite, posing a fire hazard,” CPSC said. “The firm has received one report of a consumer who was burned on their hand.”
Affected fire pit tables have a powder-coated steel frame with an all-weather wicker base that conceals a 20 lb. liquid propane tank. The tables operate with push button ignition and have an adjustable flame with a steel burner cover included.
The recalled fire pit tables were sold at Big Lots stores nationwide and online from January 2020 through June 2020 for about $480.
If you purchased a fire pit table that is affected by this recall, you should stop using it immediately and contact Sunjoy to receive a free replacement burner kit
This recall began on November 10, 2020.
Conclusion
Fire pit tables are a popular addition to outdoor spaces, but their use comes with risks, especially when the products are defective. From gas leaks to overheating surfaces, the potential for injuries underscores the importance of manufacturing accountability and consumer vigilance.
As lawsuits against fire pit manufacturers continue to make headlines, they highlight the need for stricter safety standards and better education about product risks. By staying informed and taking precautions, consumers can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of fire pit tables without compromising their safety.
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FAQs
1. Can a Fire Pit Table Lawsuit Be Filed Against the Manufacturer and Retailer?
Yes, a fire pit table lawsuit can be filed against both the manufacturer and retailer if the product is found to be defective, unsafe, or lacking proper safety warnings.
2. How Do I Know if My Fire Pit Table Is Defective?
Your fire pit table may be defective if it malfunctions, fails to operate as intended, or lacks essential safety features, posing risks of fire, injury, or other hazards.
3. What Compensation Can Be Sought in a Fire Pit Table Injury Lawsuit?
Compensation in a fire pit table injury lawsuit may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and possibly punitive damages, depending on the severity of the injury and negligence involved.
Do I Have a Fire Pit Table Lawsuit?
The Products Liability Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Fire Pit Table Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by a recalled fire pit table, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
References:
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Colsen-Recalls-Fire-Pits-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Burn-Injury-from-Flame-Jetting-and-Fire-Spreading-Hazards
2. https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2025/CPSC-Urges-Consumers-to-Stop-Using-FLIKRFIRE-Tabletop-Fireplaces-Due-to-Flame-Jetting-and-Fire-Hazards-Two-Deaths-and-Serious-Burn-Injuries-Reported
3. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Outdoor-Gas-Fire-Pits-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Home-Depot-Made-by-Yayi
4. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2021/Real-Flame-Recalls-Arroyo-and-Hideaway-Wood-Burning-Fire-Pits-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Crate-and-Barrel-Recall-Alert
5. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2018/Outdoor-Gas-Fire-Pits-Recalled-Due-to-Burn-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Home-Depot-Made-by-Yayi