Urgent Warning Issued for Northlight Bio Ethanol Tabletop Fireplaces Due to Severe Burn and Fire Risks

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is strongly advising consumers to immediately cease using Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces. This urgent warning comes after the agency identified significant hazards associated with these products, including the potential for uncontrolled fires and dangerous flame jetting, which could lead to severe burns or fatalities.

The CPSC’s alert highlights that these tabletop fireplaces, which require users to pour liquid fuel directly into an open container and ignite it, pose a dual threat. One major concern is the possibility of “pool fires,” where flames can rapidly spread across the surface of pooled or spilled alcohol fuel. This uncontrolled burning can generate unexpectedly large and intense flames that extend beyond the confines of the fireplace itself. Furthermore, the agency warns of “flame jetting,” a phenomenon that can occur when refilling the unit while a flame is still present. The visible flame in these devices can be subtle, and if a user attempts to add fuel, the vapors within the fuel container can ignite explosively, propelling flames and burning liquid onto the user or anyone nearby. These types of incidents can result in serious or fatal burns, as the fuel used, such as isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,600°F, capable of causing third-degree burns in less than a second.

The Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces are characterized by their round, square, or rectangular containers and are available with bases in white, silver, or black. Consumers can identify specific models by their item numbers, which include IF91990, IF91991, IF91992, IF91993, IF91994, IF91996, and IF91997, often found on the product’s packaging. These fireplaces were sold through various online retailers, including NorthlightSeasonal.com, Target.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, and HomeDepot.com, with prices ranging from approximately $35 to $90. The products were manufactured in China. The retailer associated with these products is Gordon Companies Inc.

In response to these identified hazards, the CPSC is urging all consumers who own these Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces to discontinue their use immediately. Consumers are also instructed not to sell or give away these products due to their inherent dangers. The agency recommends proper disposal of the fireplaces to prevent further risk. This warning follows a broader alert issued by the CPSC regarding alcohol or other liquid-burning fire pits that do not adhere to voluntary standards and present similar flame jetting and fire hazards.

Consumers who have experienced an injury or a product defect related to these fireplaces are encouraged to report their incidents to the CPSC via its website at http://www.SaferProducts.gov. This reporting helps the agency track product safety issues and inform public awareness. The company, Gordon Companies Inc., has not agreed to a recall of the product.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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