Health and Fitness

Madigan Alerts Consumers to Dangers of Fuel Gel in Firepots


Chicago–(ENEWSPF)–June 16, 2011.  Attorney General Lisa Madigan is urging consumers to immediately stop using fuel gels in firepots due to their serious potential for causing severe burns.

Recent media reports have brought to light severe and even life-threatening burns and injuries suffered by people using the scented fuel gels, which are poured into firepots for use as outdoor candles. Reports show consumers were injured when they added more fuel into the pot in an attempt to light or re-light the firepot, causing the product to explode into a fireball. One manufacturer, Napa Home & Garden Inc., already has pulled its products from Bed Bath & Beyond stores nationwide as it reviews product labeling for safety, and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has opened an investigation into fire gels.

“Fuel gels can be extremely dangerous, and yet most people are unaware of the burn risks they pose,” Attorney General Madigan said.

Attorney General Madigan urged Illinoisans to stop using fuel gels while the CPSC investigates. Madigan also called on business owners to pull all fuel gels from shelves and for consumers to report firepots or fuel gels they see on store shelves to her office.

Any consumer who suffers an injury after using fire gel should immediately report it to the CPSC by calling its hotline at (800) 638-2772 or (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired.

Consumers seeking more information can contact Madigan’s Product Recall Hotline at (888) 414-7678, TTY (800) 964-3012 and (866) 310-8398 for Spanish speakers. 

Source: illinoisattorneygeneral.gov


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