Colsen Fire Pit Class Action: Lawsuit Alleges Burn Risk

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Colsen, alleging the company's tabletop fire pits are defective and pose a significant burn risk to consumers. The lawsuit follows a recall of the fire pits by the CPSC due to numerous reported injuries.

Consumers Affected: Individuals who purchased Colsen tabletop fire pits.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division

Colsen sells dangerous tabletop fire pits that pose serious burn risks putting them in danger without any warning, according to a new lawsuit.

More than 89,000 Colsen fire pits have been recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission after the agency received reports of injuries linked to the product, including severe burns. The lawsuit alleges that Colsen misled consumers into believing the fire pits were safe for household use, despite the risks.

Colsen Fire Pit Lawsuit: Consumers Unaware of Burn Risks

Charlotte, North Carolina resident Shaneka Barnhart filed the proposed class action lawsuit against the company after she purchased a Colsen fire pit from Walmart in October, assuming it was safe for use. 

Barnhart claims the product’s packaging and online listings didn’t mention any potential dangers and she argues if she had been aware of the risks, she would have avoided the purchase altogether or paid less for it. In the lawsuit, she accuses Colsen of making fire pits that lack basic safety measures and which fail to meet the standards advertised by the company.

CPSC Recall Issued After Numerous Injuries Linked to Colsen Fire Pits

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Colsen fire pits on October 17, citing serious risks associated with the product. The recall affects nearly 89,500 units sold between January 2020 and July 2024 through major retailers such as Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, and Sharper Image, as well as social media platforms. 

The recall follows 31 reported incidents of “flame jetting” and other flame-related hazards, which left at least 19 people injured. Some of the incidents resulted in third-degree burns, with a few requiring extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and prolonged therapy.

The CPSC warned that alcohol used in the fire pits could accidentally spill, splash, or leak, potentially causing flash fires and intense flames. Two cases involved severe burns covering more than 40% of the victims' bodies, underscoring the dangers consumers face when using the product. The CPSC advised consumers to “immediately stop using the recalled fire pits and dispose of them” to avoid further harm.

Other Consumer Products Face Safety-Related Lawsuits

Colsen Fire Pits are not the only consumer product facing safety-related lawsuits. A lawsuit was filed against Hatch Baby, accusing the company of failing to inform users of a power cord defect in its Rest Sound Machine, which poses an electric shock hazard. 

Similarly, Athena Cosmetics faces a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to disclose harmful side effects associated with its RevitaLash and RevitaBrow products. Consumers claim that the undisclosed side effects of these cosmetics have caused injuries.

Meanwhile, SharkNinja Operating LLC is facing a lawsuit after a malfunctioning SharkNinja pressure cooker allegedly exploded on a pregnant woman, and Kia was sued over its 2022-2023 Carnival minivans due to alleged defects in the automatic sliding side doors, which reportedly close with excessive force, creating risks, especially for children. 

In her class action lawsuit, Barnhart wants to represent consumers from across the country in her claims of unjust enrichment, breach of warranty, fraudulent concealment, negligence, and more. She is seeking damages, interest, restitution, injunctive relief, costs, and fees.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Barnhart v. Colsen Fire Pits LLC
• Case Number: 3:24-cv-00945 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, Charlotte Division 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Tiffany Lawson (Poulin | Willey | Anastopoulo, LLC)

Have you purchased a Colsen fire pit? Share your experience in the comments below.