The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a nationwide recall for approximately 500,000 bottles and jugs of gel fuel that have been found to have the potential to cause explosions in outdoor ceramic fire pots. According to eyewitness accounts, the gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and cause explosions that have left unsuspecting victims with severe burns and other serious injuries. After investigating the serious nature of the injuries caused by gel fuel and exploding fire pots, Schmidt & Clark, LLP has announced that it will now accept potential fire pot and gel fuel lawsuits on behalf of individuals burned in these explosions.
Free Fire Pot & Gel Fuel Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been burned in an accident involving gel fuel or an exploding fire pot, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer of the fire pot or gel fuel and we can help.
What Causes Fire Pot Explosions?
Although fire pots have been reported to explode for a variety of reasons, perhaps the most common cause involves the fact that the flame in the pot is nearly invisible, leading unsuspecting consumers to believe that the wick is not lit. The consumer then attempts to pour gel fuel into the fire pot, which causes an explosion, leaving the person covered in an invisible burning gel that is nearly impossible to extinguish.
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Gel Fuel Recall
Gel fuel has been found to be extremely flammable, and when it explodes produces a ‘napalm-like’ effect, making it difficult for someone who comes in contact with the substance to put out the flames and/or stop the burning. In June 2011, the CPSC announced a nationwide recall of NAPAfire and FIREGEL Gel Fuel bottles and jugs. According to the press release, the recall was initiated to reduce future burns caused by the exploding porcelain gel pots.
Three months after the first recall, CPSC announced another recall of pourable gel fuel manufactured by the following companies:
- Bird Brain Inc., of Ypsilanti, Mich.
- Bond Manufacturing of Antioch, Calif.
- Sunjel Company (2 Burn Inc.) of Milwaukee
- Fuel Barons Inc. of Lake Tahoe, Nev.
- Lamplight Farms Inc. of Menomonee Falls, Wis.
- Luminosities Inc. (Windflame) of St. Paul, Minn.
- Pacific Décor Ltd. of Woodinville, Wash.
- Real Flame of Racine, Wis.
- Smart Solar Inc. of Oldsmar, Fla.
To date, the CPSC is aware of at least 65 incidents involving gel fuel, which resulted in two deaths and 34 victims who were hospitalized with second or third degree of the face, chest, hands, arms or legs. Of the 65 incidents, 28 of them - including 37 burn injuries and two fatalities - occurred with gel fuel products made by Napa Home & Garden.
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The following retailers will no longer be selling gel fuel products:
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Home Depot
- Sam’s Club
- Shopko
- Restoration Hardware
These companies are offering consumers money back on the bottles and jugs of fire pot fuel they purchased, but do not offer compensation for injuries for those who have been seriously burned. If you have previously purchased a bottle or jug of NAPAfire and/or FIREGEL, under no circumstances should you use these products. Instead, you should discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
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Do You Have a Fire Pot & Gel Fuel Lawsuit?
The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in fire pot & gel fuel lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new burn injury cases in all 50 states.
Free Fire Pot & Gel Fuel Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been severely burned or otherwise injured by an exploding fire pot or gel fuel, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a fire pot & gel fuel suit and we can help.
