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September 2, 2011 -- In a press release issued yesterday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with nine manufacturers and distributors, announced a voluntary recall of all pourable gel fuels made or sold by these companies.

NFPA issued a warning in August urging the public to use extreme caution when using gel fuel, a product typically used with fire pots, personal fireplaces, and some patio torches. In light of the recall, NFPA recommends that consumers immediately stop using pourable gel fuel and contact the manufacturers for refund and product return information.

• Download NFPA's updated safety tip sheet on gel fuel (PDF, 602 KB).
• Read more updated information on gel fuels on the NFPA Today blog.

August 11, 2011 – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is urging the public to employ extreme caution when using gel fuel, a product typically used with fire pots, personal fireplaces, and some patio torches. Stop, drop and roll may not extinguish clothing that catches fire involving splattered or spilled gel fuel. A dry chemical extinguisher or baking soda is recommended to extinguish the fire.

Recent news reports from across the country have highlighted several incidents where people have been injured while using gel fuel. A number of these injuries have occurred during the refueling process. NFPA warns the public that a flame may still be burning even when it is not visible, which is not uncommon with some gel fuel, and pouring fuel on any open flame is extremely unsafe. According to NFPA, it is also important to allow a gel fuel device to cool completely (30-45 minutes) before refueling because if the fuel comes into contact with the hot device it may splatter on clothing or skin, resulting in a burn injury.

“Anytime you are using devices that involve fire, it is critical to use caution and follow safety tips. This is proving to be especially important with gel fuel,” said Carli.

Video: NFPA's Judy Comoletti urges the public to employ extreme caution when using gel fuel, a product typically used with fire pots, personal fireplaces, and some patio torches. Stop, drop and roll may not extinguish clothing that catches fire involving splattered or spilled gel fuel.

NFPA offers the following safety tips when using devices that gel fuel:

• Keep your face away from the device when refueling.
• If gel fuel is spilled on clothing, remove the clothing and launder it immediately.
• Never leave a lit fire pot, personal fireplace or patio torch unattended.
• Keep these devices at least one foot from anything that can burn.
• Place the fire pot or personal fireplace on a sturdy surface.
• Make sure patio torches are secure and not in the path of people or pets.
• Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away.
• These devices will be hot during and after burning; do not touch or move.
• Be careful reaching over the device because clothing or hair could catch fire.
• Use only gel fuel to refuel. Never substitute another kind of fuel.
• Citronella gel fuel is intended for outdoor use only.
• Allow the device to cool for 30–45 minutes before refueling.
• Pouring gel fuel in a device that is not completely cool may result in a fire or injury.
• Store the gel fuel in its tightly sealed original container; away from heat sources and out of reach of children and pets.

About the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA is a worldwide leader in fire, electrical, building, and life safety. The mission of the international nonprofit organization founded in 1896 is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

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Contact: Lorraine Carli, Public Affairs Office: +1 617 984-7275