Posted on: November 11, 2011
According to news reports , the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of about 2 million containers of gel-based fuels that are intended for use in “firepots.”
The recall states that the pourable fuel can spontaneously ignite and splash onto consumers when poured into already-lit firepots, posing a burn hazard to users. According the CPSC, they’ve received 65 reports of incidents where splattering, ignited fuel gel led to two deaths and 34 victims being hospitalized for the treatment of second and third degree burns over the face, chest, hands, arms or legs.
This recall affects gel fuels packaged in one-quart plastic bottles and one-gallon plastic jugs, both available in scented and unscented formulas. They were available from Bird Brain, Inc, Bond Manufacturing, Sunjel Company, Fuel Barons, Inc, Lamplight Farms, Inc, Luminosities, Inc, Pacific Décor, Ltd, Real Flame and Smart Solar USA from 2008 to present for between $5 and $20.
The CPSC has been involved in an investigation into firepot burn accidents since they issued a recall of Napa Home & Garden gel fuels in June of this year. They have issued a general alert to warn all consumers of the burn hazards that all fuel gels pose. Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled fuel and contact the manufacturers for refunds and information on returning unused bottles of the product.
As a Columbia personal injury lawyer , I’ve seen similar recalls in the past and know the dangers that gel-fuels pose to consumers. As a reader, do you believe that this type of fuel is useful enough to continue using or does it pose such a threat that manufacturers should be urged to develop a safer alternative altogether? If you’ve been injured through the use of a defective product, contact a personal injury lawyer in your area to learn about the legal options open to you.
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