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Companies Recall Fuel Gel For Risks Of Flash Fire

DETROIT (WWJ) - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is announcing a voluntary recall of pourable gel fuels made or sold by nine different companies. Due to the serious risks of flash fire and burns when consumers add pourable gel to an already burning firepot, consumers should immediately stop using the pourable gel fuel.

The recall involves an estimated 2 million units of various pourable gel fuels packaged in one-quart plastic bottles and one-gallon plastic jugs and sold in scented and non-scented formulations, which were sold since 2008 for between $5 and $20.

The pourable gel fuel can ignite unexpectedly and splatter onto people and objects nearby when it is poured into a firepot that is still burning. CPSC Officials said flash fires created by the thick, alcohol-based gels are difficult to put out with water and more effectively stopped with dry powder extinguishers.

CPSC is aware of 65 incidents resulting in two deaths and 34 victims who were hospitalized with second and third degree burns of the face, chest, hands, arms or legs. Of the 65 incidents, 28 of them, including 37 burn injuries and two fatalities, occurred with fuel gel products made by Napa Home & Garden, which conducted a recall of its products in June.

All pourable gel fuel, regardless of manufacturer, poses flash fire hazards.

Companies recalling the product include:

Consumers should not attempt to use or fix pourable gel fuel bottles with homemade remedies, or replace the fuel with other flammable materials. Instead, consumers should contact these firms to obtain instructions for a refund of the product and for returning unused bottles and jugs.

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