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On May 7, 2026, the CPSC issued a product safety warning urging consumers to stop using Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces immediately [1]. The warning follows an earlier CPSC alert about alcohol and liquid-burning fire pits that violate voluntary safety standards, which was associated with two deaths and dozens of serious burn injuries. Gordon Companies Inc., the retailer of the Northlight fireplaces, has not agreed to a recall. The company has also objected to the CPSC’s press release.
What Products Are Affected?
The safety warning covers seven Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplace models, available in white, silver, and black finishes in a range of sizes. The affected item numbers, which can be found on the product packaging, are:
- IF91990 – Portable Fireplace, 10.5″, White
- IF91991 – Portable Fireplace, 10.5″, Silver
- IF91992 – Portable Fireplace, 13.75″, Black
- IF91993 – Portable Fireplace, 15″, Black
- IF91994 – Portable Fireplace, 11.5″, Black
- IF91996 – Portable Triple Fireplace, 17.75″, Black
- IF91997 – Portable Fireplace, 19.75″, Black
The fireplaces were sold online at NorthlightSeasonal.com, Target.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, HomeDepot.com, and other websites for approximately $35 to $90. They were manufactured in China.
What Is the Hazard?
The Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces require consumers to pour liquid fuel — such as isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or bioethanol — directly into the open container and ignite it on the spot. Liquid fuels of this type can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,600°F and can cause third-degree burns in less than one second.
Two distinct hazards are associated with these products. First, igniting pooled alcohol in an open container can produce an uncontrolled pool fire, where flames suddenly grow larger and hotter and spread beyond the fireplace. Second, flame jetting can occur when refilling the unit if any residual flame is present. Even a small, nearly invisible flame can ignite fuel vapor inside a container as it is being poured, causing an explosion that propels burning liquid and flames onto the user or nearby bystanders.
Incidents and Injuries
The CPSC’s warning follows a prior agency alert regarding alcohol and liquid-burning fire pits that violate voluntary safety standards. That earlier warning was associated with two deaths and dozens of serious burn injuries. The Northlight fireplaces present the same categories of hazards — uncontrolled pool fires and flame jetting — that caused those fatalities and injuries.
What Should Consumers Do?
The CPSC urges consumers to stop using the Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces immediately and dispose of them. Consumers should not sell or give away these products. Any incidents involving injury or product defects should be reported to the CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov.
Consumers may also contact the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270), available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Consumers who purchased Northlight Bio Ethanol Portable Tabletop Fireplaces — particularly those who suffered burn injuries as a result — may have legal options. A class action lawsuit could allow affected consumers to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related losses. Contact an attorney to learn more about your rights.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2026/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-to-Stop-Using-Northlight-Bio-Ethanol-Portable-Tabletop-Fireplaces-Immediately-Due-to-Risk-of-Serious-Burn-Injury-or-Death-from-Flame-Jetting-and-Fire-Hazards