What was recalled
If you have recently purchased a tabletop fire pit, particularly one bearing the Brookstone brand name, it is critical to pause and verify whether your unit is part of this specific safety recall. Southern Telecom has issued a voluntary recall affecting several models of their indoor and outdoor Tabletop Fire Pits due to significant safety concerns. This action involves three distinct product variations, each identified by a unique model number and Universal Product Code (UPC). The affected items are the Brookstone-branded Tabletop Fire Pit with model number BSFIREPIT01, which carries the UPC code 680079015930; the variant with model number BSFIREPIT02, identified by UPC code 680079015947; and the third affected model, BSFIREPIT03, which corresponds to UPC code 680079015954. These products are designed as decorative heating elements for both interior and exterior spaces, featuring a round or hexagonal concrete open reservoir intended to hold burning liquid alcohol.
To determine if your fire pit is included in this recall, you must inspect the bottom of the original product packaging. The model number and the corresponding UPC code are printed clearly on this surface. It is important to note that the recall does not specify the total number of units sold or the exact retail locations where these items were distributed. Therefore, relying solely on the purchase location or date may not be sufficient to rule out risk. Instead, you must physically check the packaging for the specific model numbers and UPC codes listed above. If your product matches any of these identifiers, it is part of the recalled batch.
The recall was officially announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on August 13, 2026. While the announcement date is clear, the record does not provide a specific start or end date for when these fire pits were available for purchase in stores. This means that if you acquired one of these items at any time prior to the recall notice, it may still be subject to this safety directive. The lack of specific sales date information underscores the importance of checking the physical product details rather than relying on memory or receipt dates alone. If you are unsure whether your fire pit is part of this group, erring on the side of caution and verifying the model numbers on the packaging is the most reliable course of action.
It is also worth noting that these fire pits are constructed with a concrete reservoir designed to contain the flame within the open top. Despite this design, the recall indicates that the containment mechanism may fail under certain conditions, leading to hazardous situations. The specific models affected (BSFIREPIT01, BSFIREPIT02, and BSFIREPIT03) share this structural characteristic, which is central to the identified risk. If you have one of these concrete-based tabletop fire pits in your home, whether used for ambiance during a gathering or as a standalone decorative piece, it is essential to treat it with immediate caution until it has been properly addressed through the recall remedy process.
For those who may have gifted these items or received them as presents, the same verification steps apply. The hazard does not discriminate based on how the product was acquired. If you do not have the original packaging, you may need to check the product itself for any engraved or printed identifiers, though the recall instructions specifically direct consumers to look at the bottom of the packaging. If you cannot locate the UPC or model number and suspect your item might be one of these models, contacting Southern Telecom directly is advisable. They can provide further assistance in identifying whether your specific unit falls under this recall.
The hazard, explained
At its core, this recall addresses a fundamental failure in the safety design of these tabletop fire pits when used with liquid alcohol fuels. The product was marketed as an indoor/outdoor decorative item featuring a concrete reservoir designed to hold burning liquid. However, testing and incident reports have revealed that the unit cannot reliably contain the flames generated by the fuel under normal or slightly irregular use conditions. This is not merely a matter of the fire getting too hot; it is about the physical behavior of the flame itself escaping its intended boundaries.
The specific mechanism of danger involves two distinct but related failure modes: uncontrolled pool fires and flame jetting. First, consider what happens when fuel spills or pools outside the small, contained reservoir. Liquid alcohol fuels are highly volatile. If even a small amount of fuel escapes the designated burning area—whether through overfilling, tipping, or simple spillage—it can create an "uncontrolled pool fire." In this scenario, flames do not stay in a single vertical column; instead, they burn rapidly across the surface of the spilled liquid. This means a fire that was once contained within the concrete bowl can suddenly spread across your table, patio, or floor, igniting nearby curtains, furniture, or clothing almost instantly.
The second, more unpredictable hazard is "flame jetting." This occurs when pressure builds up inside the fuel container or the reservoir in a way that forces flames and superheated gases out of the unit with significant force. Instead of a gentle, decorative flicker, you may experience a sudden burst or jet of fire shooting from the fuel source. This is particularly dangerous because it can project flames several feet away from the product, directly impacting anyone standing nearby. The concrete construction, while durable against heat, does not prevent this internal pressure dynamics failure.
The consequences of these mechanisms are severe. According to the CPSC report, Southern Telecom has already received two confirmed incidents involving these exact failure modes. In both cases, flames escaped the concrete container, resulting in serious injuries to users, including second-degree and third-degree burns. These are not minor scrapes; they are deep tissue injuries that require significant medical intervention. The risk is exacerbated by the fact that tabletop fire pits are often used in close proximity to people’s hands, arms, and faces, leaving little time to react when a flame jet or pool fire ignites.
In general, liquid alcohol fires (often fueled by denatured alcohol or ethanol) burn with a nearly invisible or low-profile flame until they grow larger. This makes them particularly deceptive. Unlike wood fires that produce visible sparks and smoke early on, alcohol fires can spread silently and rapidly across surfaces before the user even realizes the danger is present. The combination of this invisibility with the structural inability of the pit to contain the fuel creates a high-risk scenario for serious burn injury or death.
Who is most at risk
The Brookstone-branded Tabletop Fire Pits are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, which means they can end up in a wide variety of living spaces, from cozy patios to living rooms. However, the specific nature of this recall—focusing on uncontrolled flame jetting and pool fires involving liquid alcohol—creates distinct risks for certain groups of people. Understanding who is most vulnerable helps clarify why the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Southern Telecom are urging immediate cessation of use.
First, households with young children face a heightened level of danger. Tabletop fire pits are often placed on low tables or ground-level surfaces where they are within easy reach of toddlers and curious kids. The product contains liquid alcohol fuel, which is highly flammable and can be mistaken for water or other safe liquids by children who do not understand the concept of fire hazards. If a child were to spill the fuel or knock over the container, the resulting flame jetting could cause immediate, severe burns. Furthermore, the concrete reservoir, while sturdy, does not eliminate the risk of splashing; a small child’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult’s, meaning even brief exposure to the flames described in the incident reports could result in significant second-degree or third-degree burns.
Elderly individuals or those with mobility issues are also at greater risk for several reasons. If you have limited balance or dexterity, the act of refueling this fire pit becomes more dangerous. The recall notes that flames can escape from the concrete container during use. For someone who is less steady on their feet, leaning over a tabletop fire pit to add fuel or adjust it increases the chance of accidental spills. Once alcohol spills onto a surface or clothing, the "pool fire" effect described in the hazard summary means the fire will burn across that surface rather than just staying in the pit. This can lead to flames igniting nearby fabrics, curtains, or even the user’s clothing, leading to serious injury.
Additionally, anyone using these fire pits in enclosed or poorly ventilated indoor spaces is at increased risk. While the product is marketed for indoor use, the hazard involves uncontrolled flames burning across pooled alcohol. In a confined room, heat buildup can be rapid, and the unpredictability of flame jetting makes it difficult to react quickly enough to prevent injury. The two reported injuries, which included severe burns, serve as a stark reminder that this is not a minor inconvenience but a serious safety threat. Whether you are a young parent protecting your child, an older adult managing mobility challenges, or simply someone who enjoys the ambiance of a tabletop fire, the unpredictable nature of alcohol-fueled fires makes caution essential. If you have any of these products in your home, your safety depends on removing the hazard entirely rather than trying to manage it.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you own a tabletop fire pit branded as Brookstone, it is crucial to verify whether your specific unit falls under this recall before taking any further action. Southern Telecom has issued this safety notice for indoor and outdoor Tabletop Fire Pits that feature a distinctive open reservoir design intended to hold burning liquid alcohol. The product comes in both round and hexagonal shapes, constructed from concrete, which gives it a heavy, substantial feel compared to standard metal or glass fire pits. Because these items are often sold as decorative pieces for patios, decks, or indoor living spaces, they can be easy to overlook during a quick visual inspection. Therefore, you must look beyond the general appearance and focus on the specific identification numbers printed on the packaging.
The most reliable way to confirm if your fire pit is part of this recall is by checking the bottom of the original product packaging. The manufacturer has placed critical identification details in this location to help consumers and retailers track inventory. You need to look for both a model number and a Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode. The recalled items are exclusively those with one of the following three model numbers: BSFIREPIT01, BSFIREPIT02, or BSFIREPIT03. Each of these model numbers corresponds to a specific UPC code that you can scan or manually verify.
Please check your packaging for the following matching pairs:
- If your box displays model number BSFIREPIT01, the corresponding UPC code is 680079015930.
- If your box displays model number BSFIREPIT02, the corresponding UPC code is 680079015947.
- If your box displays model number BSFIREPIT03, the corresponding UPC code is 680079015954.
It is important to note that if you no longer have the original packaging, identifying the product becomes more difficult because the provided recall facts do not specify where the model or UPC numbers are printed directly on the concrete unit itself. In such cases, you may need to rely on other records of purchase, such as credit card statements or email receipts from Southern Telecom, which should list the specific model and UPC codes. If you cannot positively identify your product with these exact numbers, it is likely not part of this specific recall, but you should still exercise caution with any alcohol-burning fire pit.
These products were marketed under the Brookstone brand, so if your item has Brookstone labeling, it increases the likelihood that it is among the affected units. However, the model and UPC codes are the definitive identifiers. Do not rely solely on the color or size of the concrete reservoir, as these details can vary by retailer or batch in ways not specified here. If you find one of the listed UPC codes on your box, stop using the product immediately. These fire pits pose a serious risk of flame jetting and uncontrolled pool fires, which have already resulted in second-degree and third-degree burns in reported incidents. Identifying your item correctly is the first step in protecting yourself and your household from these severe burn hazards.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Brookstone-branded Tabletop Fire Pits, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of yourself and everyone in your household. The hazard here is not a minor inconvenience; it involves the risk of serious burn injury or death due to uncontrolled pool fires and flame jetting. Therefore, the very first and most critical action you must take is to stop using the fire pit immediately. Do not attempt to use it again for ambiance or warmth, regardless of how much you enjoy its design. The concrete reservoir may look sturdy, but it has failed to contain flames under certain conditions, making continued use extremely dangerous. Once you have safely extinguished any fuel and ensured the unit is cool, you need to initiate the return process with Southern Telecom to receive a full refund. This is not a repairable defect; the entire unit must be removed from your home. To start this process, you should contact Southern Telecom directly. You can reach them by email at support@customersupport123.com or by calling their toll-free number at 877-832-3822 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle this online, visit www.southerntelecom.com and click on "Recall Information" located at the top of the page for additional guidance. When emailing Southern Telecom, please follow their specific instructions carefully to ensure your refund is processed without delay. You are required to take a clear photo of the fire pit. On the surface of the product, use a permanent marker to write three specific pieces of information: the word "Recalled," your full name, and today’s date. This labeling helps them verify that you possess one of the affected units (models BSFIREPIT01, BSFIREPIT02, or BSFIREPIT03) and allows them to track the recall efficiently. Send this photo along with your email to support@customersupport123.com. After you have submitted your documentation and received confirmation from Southern Telecom, you must properly dispose of the product. Do not attempt to sell it, give it away, or donate it to a thrift store. These items are hazardous and could cause serious harm to someone else who might use them without knowing they are recalled. Disposing of the unit ensures that the risk is completely eliminated from your environment and prevents anyone else from inadvertently exposing themselves to the same flame jetting hazards. By following these steps precisely, you protect your family and contribute to the broader safety effort coordinated by the CPSC.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When you discover that you own one of the recalled Brookstone-branded Tabletop Fire Pits, it is natural to feel a mix of disappointment and concern. You may have invested time and money into setting up your outdoor or indoor space with this item, and the news of a recall can be unsettling. However, Southern Telecom has established a straightforward remedy designed to remove the hazard from your home without placing any financial burden on you. The company is not offering repairs or replacements for these specific units because the underlying design flaw—related to how the concrete reservoir interacts with liquid alcohol fuels—cannot be safely fixed in the field. Instead, the official remedy is a full refund. This approach ensures that you are made whole financially while simultaneously eliminating the risk of serious burn injuries or death associated with flame jetting and uncontrolled pool fires.
To receive your refund, you must follow a specific process outlined by Southern Telecom. First, please stop using the fire pit immediately. Do not attempt to sell it, give it away, or donate it to others, as doing so would expose them to the same severe dangers that led to this recall. Next, you need to prepare your product for disposal and document its identity. Take a clear photo of the fire pit itself. On the surface of the unit, use a permanent marker to write the word "Recalled," along with your name and today’s date. This step is crucial because it prevents any confusion later on and confirms that you are part of the official recall process.
Once you have taken this photograph, email it to support@customersupport123.com. In the body of your email, include your full name and the current date. This information helps Southern Telecom verify your claim and process your refund efficiently. After you have sent the email, you may dispose of the product according to your local waste management guidelines. The concrete and metal components are generally safe for standard disposal once the fuel residue is completely removed and the unit is no longer functional, but always check with your local authorities for specific rules regarding large items or construction materials.
If you have questions about this process or need further assistance, Southern Telecom provides multiple ways to reach their support team. You can call their toll-free number at 877-832-3822 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.southerntelecom.com and click on "Recall Information" at the top of the page to find additional details or updates. By taking these steps, you ensure your safety and that of your family, while also receiving the full value of your original purchase back.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel reluctant about discarding a decorative item that looks nice in your home or garden. You may have spent time arranging it on a patio table or mantel, and the idea of throwing it away feels like a waste, especially when you haven’t even used it yet. However, ignoring this recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct invitation to a serious safety crisis. The hazard here is not a slow wear-and-tear issue that might develop over years. It is an immediate, active danger built into the design of the product itself. Continuing to use these Brookstone-branded Tabletop Fire Pits means you are keeping a potential ignition source in your living space with no reliable way to contain its output.
The core problem lies in how the fuel interacts with the container. These fire pits are designed for liquid alcohol, which behaves very differently from wood or gas. If even a small amount of fuel spills over the edge of the concrete reservoir—or if it pools on the surface due to improper filling—the flames do not just stay where they are supposed to. They burn across the entire surface of that spill. This creates an uncontrolled pool fire that can quickly spread to nearby curtains, tablecloths, furniture, or your hands. Furthermore, the recall highlights a specific and terrifying phenomenon known as "flame jetting." This occurs when pressure builds up inside the fuel container or when the flame interacts with the fuel in a way that shoots it out of the pit like a torch. This is not a gentle flicker; it is a sudden, high-velocity burst of fire that can reach several feet away from the unit.
The consequences of ignoring this warning are already documented in reality. Southern Telecom has reported two specific incidents where these exact failures occurred. In those cases, flames escaped the concrete container entirely, leading to second-degree and third-degree burns for the users. Second-degree burns affect both layers of skin and can cause severe blistering and pain, while third-degree burns destroy all layers of skin and underlying tissue, often requiring surgical intervention and carrying a risk of life-threatening infection or shock. These are not hypothetical "what ifs." They are actual injuries that have already happened to people who were likely just trying to enjoy a cozy atmosphere. If you continue to use this product, you are gambling with your own safety and the safety of anyone sitting nearby, including children or pets who might accidentally knock over a spilled fuel container.
Beyond the immediate physical trauma, there is the risk of secondary damage. A pool fire that spreads across a table can ignite upholstered chairs, wooden floors, or drapery, leading to a house fire that threatens your entire property. The concrete shell, while sturdy, does not contain the chaos of flame jetting. It offers a false sense of security. By ignoring the recall, you are choosing to keep a device that has already proven it cannot reliably separate the fire from the user. The only way to ensure this never happens to you is to remove the hazard from your environment immediately.
Staying safe: broader tips
When you own products that involve open flames, fuel sources, or heavy materials, vigilance extends well beyond checking for a single recall notice. These items require a proactive approach to home safety that integrates routine maintenance with environmental awareness. For tabletop fire pits and similar decorative heating elements, the primary rule is strict adherence to manufacturer guidelines regarding fuel type. Many users mistakenly assume that any clear alcohol will work, but using denatured alcohol, methanol, or fuels with high water content can alter combustion temperatures and pressure dynamics within the reservoir. This variability is often what leads to unpredictable flame behavior, such as jetting or sudden flare-ups, rather than a steady, controlled burn. Always verify that you are using the specific fuel grade recommended for your unit’s design.
Placement and surface stability are equally critical components of safe operation. Even if a fire pit is stable on its own, placing it on uneven outdoor decking, slippery wet surfaces, or near flammable landscaping materials like dry mulch or overhanging branches introduces unnecessary risk. Ensure the unit sits on a non-combustible, level surface that can withstand high heat without cracking or warping. Keep a safe distance from curtains, awnings, furniture, and any overhead structures that could catch stray embers or hot fuel droplets. It is also wise to keep children and pets at a designated safe distance during use and for some time after the unit has cooled, as residual heat can linger in concrete or stone materials long after the flame is extinguished.
Beyond physical placement, regular inspection of your equipment can prevent accidents before they happen. Check your fire pits for cracks, corrosion, or damage to any metal components that hold fuel lines or containers. If you notice any wear and tear, discontinue use immediately. Furthermore, make it a habit to subscribe to safety alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other relevant agencies. These notifications often provide early warnings about defects that have not yet caused widespread harm but could become dangerous under specific conditions. Installing carbon monoxide detectors in nearby indoor or semi-enclosed spaces is also crucial when using fuel-burning devices, as incomplete combustion can produce odorless, deadly gases. Finally, always have a Class B fire extinguisher or a large bucket of sand nearby when operating any open-flame device, ensuring you are prepared to act quickly if a situation escalates beyond your control.