NEW YORK — A significant recall involving nearly 90,000 tabletop fire pits has been announced following reports of serious burn injuries caused by flames shooting out unexpectedly.

The Colsen-branded fire pits, intended for use with liquid alcohol, have been flagged for presenting a dangerous “flame jetting” risk. This hazard arises during the refilling process when flames may flash back and force the burning alcohol out. According to the notice issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), these incidents can occur without warning and can escalate quickly, with potential burns happening in a fraction of a second, which could be lethal.

The invisible nature of alcohol flames further complicates the risk, as spills or leaks can lead to dangerous flash fires. The recall alert emphasizes that such situations can result in severe injuries rapidly.

So far, the CPSC has documented 31 separate instances of flame jetting or flames escaping from these fire pits, contributing to a total of 19 reported burn injuries. Among these injuries, two individuals suffered third-degree burns over 40% of their bodies. Additionally, at least six cases necessitated surgical intervention, extensive medical care, or resulted in permanent disfigurement.

Both the CPSC and Colsen, based in Miami, are urging customers to stop using the fire pits immediately and to dispose of them. The recall notice highlights that it is illegal to sell or donate these products after they have been recalled.

Unfortunately, consumers will not receive any refunds as the company has indicated that it lacks the financial means to offer compensation. The fire pits were sold from January 2020 to July 2024 at well-known retail outlets including Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, and Sharper Image, as well as through social media platforms such as TikTok and apps owned by Meta. Some of the recalled models were previously manufactured by another unnamed company.

The recall encompasses seven distinct models, differing in size, shape, and color, with prices ranging between $40 and $90. In light of the situation, Colsen has publicly stated its commitment to safety, emphasizing the importance of this recall initiative in cooperation with the CPSC.