Colsen Fire Pit Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Colsen Fire Pits Recall Overview

In October 2024, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall of approximately 89,500 Colsen-branded tabletop fire pits due to an urgent safety risk involving flame jetting when pouring alcohol into the fire pit reservoir.

These liquid burning fire pits use an open concrete bowl design that allows pooled liquid fuel to ignite, potentially causing a flash fire that spreads rapidly, creating larger, hotter flames that escape the unit and present a serious fire hazard.

In some cases, the fire can suddenly propel burning alcohol outward, engulfing users in seconds, often in less than one second, resulting in catastrophic injuries.

The CPSC received 31 reports of flame jetting or flames escaping the pit, leading to 19 burn injuries; two victims sustained third-degree burns over more than 40% of their bodies, and at least six incidents required prolonged medical treatment in burn treatment facilities and faced permanent disfigurement.

The recall notice emphasizes that consumers must immediately stop using the recalled product and dispose of it safely, as continuing to use a defective product poses a risk of uncontrollable pool fire and fire spreading.

Federal law prohibits reselling or donating recalled items, and unfortunately, the manufacturer lacks the financial resources to offer refunds or replacements.

Recalled Colsen-branded fire pit models:

• Around 89,500 units spanning seven models (5 to 18 inches wide)
• Shapes include round, rectangular, hexagonal, square, and skull-shaped designs
• Sold between January 2020 and July 2024

In addition to the immediate hazards of flame jetting and fire spreading, these fire pits have been implicated in severe injuries, even death.

Their design allows alcohol flames, which are often invisible, to flash back into the fuel container during refilling, resulting in explosive ignition.

Victims have not only required acute burn care but have often needed extensive physical therapy, reconstructive surgery, and rehabilitation.

The rapid onset of danger means there’s virtually no time to react, increasing the likelihood of life-altering outcomes.

TorHoerman Law is closely monitoring this recall and we are ready to support affected individuals in pursuing justice.

Regulators Warn of Tabletop Fire Pit Dangers

Federal safety agencies have issued strong, category-wide warnings regarding the danger posed by tabletop fire pits that burn liquid fuels such as isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or similar substances.

On December 19, 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a consumer alert urging the public to immediately stop using and dispose of any fire pits designed to burn pooled liquid fuel, citing the failure of these products to meet the voluntary safety standard ASTM F3363‑19.

This standard is specifically designed to prevent dangerous pool fires, where burning liquid spreads across a surface, and flame jetting, a phenomenon where fuel ignites explosively, propelling burning liquid outward with catastrophic consequences.

These warnings are not isolated to a single product line; rather, they address a systemic hazard across all liquid-burning tabletop fire pits, including firepots, miniature fireplaces, and similar indoor/outdoor devices.

Since 2019, these products have been linked to at least two confirmed deaths and over 60 serious burn injuries, some involving third- and fourth-degree burns of extensive areas of the body.

The fatal incidents include a tragic case in New Hampshire where an elderly couple was engulfed by flames and died a week later.

Severe Burn Injuries Linked to Defective Fire Pits

Defective tabletop fire pits have posed significant flame jetting risks, often turning routine refilling into a serious event with explosive consequences.

In incidents involving recalled fire pits, fire flashes during use have caused open flames to engulf victims’ bodies, leading to devastating injuries and deaths.

The core danger stems from burning liquid alcohol or similar liquid fuels, where an alcohol container can erupt as soon as fuel is added, showering people nearby with scalding fire.

These fire pit products, designed for convenience and ambiance, can quickly unleash flames escaping from the reservoir.

Flash fire incidents have caused deeply traumatic outcomes affecting both physical health and quality of life.

Documented injuries from defective fire pits:

• Third-degree burns covering more than 40% of the body
• Full-thickness burns requiring surgical intervention and hospitalization
• Emergency admission to burn treatment facilities for acute care
• Long-term physical therapy, loss of function, and short-term disability
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring following reconstructive procedures

Each of these injuries carries profound physical, emotional, and financial ramifications.

Victims often face months or even years of medical follow-up and therapies, including psychological support to cope with trauma.

In many cases, families have lost loved ones or witnessed life-altering harm due to these products’ sudden and violent failures.

Attorneys at TorHoerman Law are focused on gathering detailed medical documentation and expert testimony to demonstrate the link between the defective design of these fire pits and the injuries suffered.

If you or someone you know has been affected, it’s important to consult experienced counsel promptly to preserve your rights and seek meaningful justice.

Medical Treatment for Tabletop Fire Pit Burn Injuries

Severe burns from defective fire pit products, such as recalled Colsen fire pits, often result from extremely high flame temperatures that cause deep tissue damage almost instantly.

These injured victims frequently require emergency treatment, with many incidents involving surgery to address third-degree or extensive burns.

Because of the manufacturing defect leading to uncontrolled flame jetting and fire spreading, trauma teams must act quickly to stabilize patients suffering from chemical and thermal injuries.

In the short and long term, victims may need extensive care ranging from acute burn unit management to long-term rehabilitation and reconstructive treatments:

• Emergency admission to specialized burn treatment facilities for intensive care
• Surgical debridement to remove damaged tissue
• Skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries to restore function and appearance
• Infection control with antibiotic dressings and wound care
• Pain management, including IV medications and dressings
• Physical therapy to preserve mobility and functionality of affected areas
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities and recovery of fine motor skills
• Psychological counseling to address emotional trauma and PTSD stemming from severe burns
• Long-term outpatient follow-ups for scar revision and monitoring of recovery progress

Do You Qualify for a Colsen Fire Pit Recall Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Colsen fire pit recall lawsuit if you or a loved one was injured by one of these recalled fire pots while using or refueling it with alcohol or other liquid fuel.

These incidents often involve sudden flame jetting or fire flashes causing burns that require emergency medical care or long-term treatment.

Victims who suffered third-degree burns, permanent disfigurement, or emotional trauma may be eligible to file a claim under product liability law.

If you still have the fire pit, photos of the product, or purchase documentation, this evidence can help support your case.

It’s important to seek medical attention for your injury quickly and retain any records related to your treatment.

Colsen’s failure to design a safe product and warn consumers of the dangers associated with refueling their fire pots has exposed many to unnecessary harm.

A lawyer can help you determine whether your experience meets the criteria for legal action.

TorHoerman Law is investigating these cases and may be able to guide you through the legal process to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Gathering Evidence for a Defective Colsen Fire Pit Lawsuit

Evidence plays a critical role in proving that a defective Colsen fire pit caused your injuries and establishing liability under product liability law.

The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case will be when pursuing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Preserving the fire pit itself, along with photos, receipts, and medical records, can be key to holding the manufacturer accountable.

Evidence in a Colsen Fire Pit lawsuit may include:

• The recalled Colsen fire pit (if intact or damaged)
• Photos or videos of the fire, burns, or aftermath of the incident
• Purchase receipts, order confirmations, or product listings
• Medical records detailing burn injuries and treatment plans
• Written statements or testimony from witnesses
• Correspondence with retailers or Colsen representatives
• Documentation of lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses
• Fire department or emergency response reports
• Packaging or manuals that lacked adequate warnings or safety instructions

Damages in Tabletop Fire Pit Burn Lawsuits

Establishing damages is a vital part of any tabletop fire pit burn lawsuit, as it directly affects the compensation an injured person may recover.

Victims often face overwhelming medical expenses and lost wages due to hospitalization, surgery, and time away from work.

Documenting both financial and non-financial losses helps build a complete picture of the harm suffered and strengthens your legal claim.

Damages in a tabletop fire pit lawsuit may include:

• Past and future medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy)
• Lost wages during recovery and rehabilitation
• Loss of future earning capacity due to permanent injury or disability
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma
• Disfigurement and loss of quality of life
• Psychological counseling and emotional distress
• Out-of-pocket costs related to medical devices, home care, or travel
• Loss of companionship or support in wrongful death cases

TorHoerman Law: Investigating Defective Tabletop Fire Pit Injuries

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating claims involving dangerous and defective tabletop fire pits, including those linked to the recalled Colsen fire pits and other alcohol-fueled products.

These devices have caused devastating injuries, life-altering burns, and unimaginable trauma for unsuspecting users and their families.

If you or a loved one suffered harm due to a flash fire, flame jetting, or uncontrolled flame eruption while using a tabletop fire pit, you may be entitled to compensation under product liability law.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our legal team is prepared to review your case, explain your options, and advocate for justice on your behalf.