Houston product defect lawyers note that this past September saw a widespread recall by the CPSC and 9 manufacturers of alcohol-based fuel gel products related to the popular new “fire pots” marketing as home lighting accent décor. The fire pots and their fuel gel were only recently introduced to the U.S. market in 2010. The recall stemmed from a series of accidents, two of them fatal, involving people re-filling the fire pots with the highly combustible fuel gel.
Our Houston product defect lawyers caution that apparently, it is difficult to detect existing fuel gel residue in the fire pots. And in some cases, that slight fuel residue could still be burning with the smallest of flames, not apparent to the eye. When additional fuel gel is poured onto the tiny flame, the gel will explode. And like napalm, that nasty weapon that became a byword for destruction during the Vietnam War, the fuel gel sticks to whatever it touches and continues to burn. So the blaze cannot be easily doused. And fatal injuries, as well as permanently disabling ones, have resulted from such accidents.
In addition to fires and explosions that result when you refill the fire pot, the fuel gel can explode spontaneously if it stands to close to the burning pot or another source of heat. The fuel cup might spontaneously eject and ignite a blaze. Or you might have an explosion while you’re trying to douse the flame.
The CPSC had identified 76 accidents resulting from the fire pots by September. Those incidents resulted in 86 injuries and 2 fatalities. 48 of those injured received hospitalization for their injuries.
Our Houston product defect lawyers realize that part of the problem is the lack of any mandatory or voluntary standards regarding safety or product warnings. And the product is marketed as a beautiful, non-toxic, or eco-friendly decorative home accent for lighting and warmth, so purchasers are not necessarily likely to perceive inherent dangers involved in using the product.
The CPSC is attempting to address the gap in safety regarding the fire pots and their fuel gel. The agency has issued an Advance Notice of a Proposed Rulemaking to explore creation of new rules to prevent or reduce the injury and fatality risk from the dangerous fire pots and their explosive fuel gels. The CPSC is exploring whether a mandatory warning rule would suffice or whether it’s necessary to ban the product from the market entirely. In the meantime, you stand forewarned. Use fire pots and their highly dangerous fuel gels with caution. Better yet, don’t use them at all.
Learn more about what to do in case you received severe injuries because of a dangerous or defective product. Contact our Houston product defect lawyers for a free legal consultation about your injury. Our free case evaluation could help you determine a successful strategy to secure the full financial recovery that you deserve because of your needless injury. Call today at 877-307-9500 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.