Due to the serious risk of flash fire and burns, NFPA and CPSC warn consumers to immediately stop using pourable gel fuel

In a press release issued yesterday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with nine manufacturers and distributors, announced a voluntary recall of all pourable gel fuels made or sold by these companies.

NFPA issued a warning in August urging the public to use extreme caution when using gel fuel, a product typically used with fire pots, personal fireplaces, and some patio torches. In light of the recall, NFPA recommends that consumers immediately stop using pourable gel fuel and contact the manufacturers for refund and product return information.

 

NFPA has updated its safety sheet with the latest information about gel fuel and it can be downloaded from the website.

Companies participating in the voluntary recall include:

• Bird Brain Inc., of Ypsilanti, Mich.
• Bond Manufacturing of Antioch, Calif.
• Sunjel Company (2 Burn Inc.) of Milwaukee
• Fuel Barons Inc. of Lake Tahoe, Nev.
• Lamplight Farms Inc of Menomonee Falls, Wis.
• Luminosities Inc (Windflame) of St. Paul, Minn.
• Pacific Décor Ltd. of Woodinwille, Wash.
• Real Flame of Racine, Wis.
• Smart Solar Inc. of Oldsmar, Fla.

Concern about the use of gel fuel stems from a number of serious incidents reporter to CPSC. According to CPSC they are aware of 65 incidents resulting in two deaths and 34 victims who were hospitalized with second and third degree burns of the face, chest, hands, arms or legs.

Of the 65 incidents, 28 of them, including 37 burn injuries and two fatalities, occurred with fuel gel products made by Napa Home & Garden, which conducted a recall of its products in June 2011, in cooperation with CPSC.

Lorraine Carli

Comments

[gel fireplace]

Thanks for this useful information. I was thinking of buying one gel electric fireplace for my home. You have provided awareness among the people. Thank you again for information.