Amazon Sued Over Defective Tabletop Fire Pit That Left Vet with Severe Burns

A decorated tabletop fire pit that Anthony Trevino bought on Amazon five years ago has become the center of a lawsuit against its manufacturers and the e-commerce giant. The product allegedly erupted into a fireball while he was refilling it last year, leaving the 31-year-old former U.S. Navy search-and-rescue swimmer with third-degree burns to his face, neck, and body.

Trevino's attorneys argue that Amazon continued to sell similar products on its website despite knowing about their dangers. They point out that Australia banned the products in 2017 after they were linked to over 100 injuries and at least 36 house fires since 2010. Canada also approved a ban on these devices.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled roughly 89,500 Colsen-branded tabletop fire pits in October 2024 due to reports of flame jettings and flames escaping from the concrete container, resulting in 19 burn injuries. The agency issued a general recall for all tabletop fire pit products in December 2024, citing two deaths and at least 60 injuries since 2019.