A $50 tabletop fire pit turned a living room into a blowtorch. The user’s body caught fire. The incident is now the subject of a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall on August 20, 2026. Southern Telecom is recalling 48,700 Brookstone-branded tabletop fire pits. The reason is the risk of serious burn injury or death from flame jetting and fire hazards.
Flame jetting is an uncontrolled burst of fire from the fuel container. It happens when vapors ignite outside the intended burn area. The effect is a blowtorch. The cause is often improper fuel filling or design flaws.
The lawsuit details the horror. A user refilled a Brookstone tabletop unit indoors. A flash jet of flame erupted. The user’s body was set on fire. The injuries were severe. The legal claim alleges defective design and failure to warn.
The CPSC recall covers specific models sold at Brookstone stores and on Amazon. Consumers should stop using the products immediately. Contact Southern Telecom for a refund or replacement. Check the CPSC recall page for model numbers and photos.
The recall changes the legal landscape. Plaintiffs now hold official government evidence of the hazard. The recall itself strengthens claims of defective design. Compensation may cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, and property damage.
| Recall Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Southern Telecom |
| Brand | Brookstone |
| Units Affected | 48,700 |
| Hazard | Flame jetting, serious burn injury or death |
| Where Sold | Amazon, Brookstone stores |
| Action | Stop use, contact company for refund |
This is not an isolated case. The CPSC also issued a warning for Houswise tabletop fire pits over the same flame jetting burn hazard. Kerosene containers have been recalled in connection with fire pit incidents. The pattern is clear.
Check your home. Go to CPSC.gov. Sign up for email alerts. If you own a recalled unit, stop using it. Do not refuel it. Do not light it. Contact the company.
Safer alternatives exist. Electric fire pits eliminate liquid fuel entirely. Gel-fueled models reduce the risk of flame jetting if used correctly. Never overfill fuel containers. Allow the unit to cool before refueling. Keep away from flammable materials. Always supervise use.
The cozy ambiance is not worth a burn unit visit. The data is unambiguous. The recall is official. The lawsuits are mounting. Act responsibly.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is flame jetting in tabletop fire pits?
- A: Flame jetting is an uncontrolled burst of fire from the fuel container when vapors ignite outside the intended burn area, creating a blowtorch effect.
- Q: How many units are recalled and by whom?
- A: Southern Telecom recalled 48,700 Brookstone-branded tabletop fire pits on August 20, 2026, due to fire and burn hazards.
- Q: What should consumers do if they own a recalled fire pit?
- A: Stop using the product immediately, check the CPSC recall page for model numbers, and contact Southern Telecom for a refund or replacement.
Extended Reading
The CPSC recall notice provides complete model numbers and images. The AboutLawsuits report details the plaintiff’s injuries and legal strategy. The NBC Montana coverage includes local impact statements from consumers affected by the burning incidents.