A tabletop fire pit can turn spilled fuel into a jet of flame

Federal safety officials are warning consumers to stop using Houswise tabletop fire pits because spilled alcohol can spread into a pool fire and refueling can propel a jet of flame. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says the hazards can cause serious or fatal burns.

At least 53,500 units were sold, and the manufacturer has not agreed to recall them or provide a remedy. CPSC’s direction is to dispose of the fire pits and not sell or give them away.

Four model names appear in the warning

The July 16 CPSC notice covers Houswise Vesper, Altair, Quad and Astra tabletop fire pits. They have rectangular, round or square bases and were sold in marble, black, light gray and dark gray finishes, sometimes with skewers or cheese boards.

Sales began in March 2023 through Houswise, Amazon, Walmart and other websites. The varied shapes, colors and accessories make the model name and purchase record important identifiers. Similar-looking fire features from other brands are not automatically part of this particular warning.

Pool fires can spread beyond the vessel

These products require liquid fuel to be poured into an open container and ignited in the same place. CPSC says alcohol spilled or pooled around the container can burn across its surface, producing a larger, hotter fire that moves beyond the intended pit.

Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol and bioethanol can burn at flame temperatures above 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit, the agency said, and can cause third-degree burns in less than one second. A decorative flame’s small size does not limit the energy in the fuel supply or the speed at which burning liquid can reach a bystander.

Refilling can create flame jetting

A nearly invisible flame may remain in the pit when someone assumes it has gone out. If fuel is poured from a container, that flame can ignite vapor inside the bottle. Pressure can then drive fire and burning liquid outward in a forceful jet.

Alcohol flames can be difficult to see in bright conditions, which makes visual checking unreliable. A container held above the pit also gives the burning vapor and liquid a path toward the person pouring it. Bystanders can be struck even when they never touch the product or fuel bottle.

CPSC’s broader alert on liquid-burning fire pits explains that flame jetting is not limited to one brand. For the named Houswise models, however, the agency has issued a direct stop-use warning rather than instructions for safer refilling.

Seven injuries were reported

CPSC said it knew of more than two dozen reports involving flame jetting, fuel leaking outside the pit or unexpectedly high flames. Seven injuries were reported, including third-degree burns. Those events demonstrate both primary hazards described in the notice: uncontrolled burning across liquid and a projected flame during handling.

Furmia LLC, the manufacturer, has not agreed to recall the products or offer a remedy. That means no CPSC-approved refund or replacement process appears in warning 26-615. Owners should not continue using the pit while waiting for one.

A product safety warning can remain actionable without a cooperating recall. CPSC has identified the products, stated the hazard and issued disposal instructions. The lack of a refund may be frustrating, but it does not change the severity of a burn that can occur in a fraction of a second.

Disposal should avoid another fuel accident

A unit should be allowed to become completely cold before handling, and no attempt should be made to test for a hidden flame by touching or leaning over it. Local household hazardous-waste guidance can address leftover liquid fuel, which should not be poured into drains or ordinary trash.

The fire pit itself should be disposed of in accordance with local rules after fuel is safely handled. Donation and resale are inconsistent with CPSC’s direction. Removing a listing or warning a buyer does not eliminate a design that federal officials associate with severe burn hazards.

Restaurants, event businesses and short-term rentals may have purchased several units as décor. An inventory check should include storerooms, patios and off-site supplies so a seasonal item is not returned to a table later. Staff should receive a direct stop-use notice instead of relying on the original purchaser to remember the model.

Reports can help identify additional incidents

Consumers can submit information about a fire, leak, unusually high flame or injury through SaferProducts.gov. Product photographs, model names, purchase records and medical or fire reports can help document an event without recreating it.

As of Aug. 2, the CPSC stop-use instruction remains current. The central precaution is not a different fuel, a longer cooling interval or closer supervision. It is to stop using and dispose of the Houswise models named by the agency.

Burns involving clothing, a large area, the face or breathing require urgent professional evaluation. After any incident, immediate emergency guidance should take priority over photographing the product or preserving evidence. Documentation can be collected later when the scene is safe.

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by Morning Overview editors prior to publication.

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