What was recalled
In mid-July of 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a critical recall notice concerning specific wood-burning fire pits manufactured by Real Flame. This action was taken to address significant safety concerns associated with two distinct models: the Arroyo and the Hideaway. These were not generic items found in every outdoor store; they were exclusive products sold solely through Crate and Barrel, making them somewhat unique in their distribution channel. If you purchased a fire pit from Crate and Barrel around that time, it is important to verify whether your specific unit falls under this recall.
The Arroyo model is designed in a traditional chimenea style, featuring a tall, black finish that stands approximately five feet high with a width of about one and a half feet. This model is identifiable by the Universal Product Code (UPC) 752370060107. The second affected product is the Hideaway, which offers a different aesthetic as a round wood-burning fireplace, also finished in black. It measures roughly one and a half feet high and three feet wide, bearing the UPC 752370064501. Both units are constructed to burn wood, which inherently involves managing open flames and heat, but it is the specific design interaction with stored fuel that triggered this safety alert.
The recall impacts a significant number of these units sold during a specific window leading up to July 15, 2021. While the exact total number of units is not specified in the immediate summary, the exclusivity to Crate and Barrel means the affected population is well-defined but potentially widespread among their customer base. The core issue lies in how these fire pits interact with wood storage. The design allows for wood to be stored directly under the unit, which creates a dangerous proximity between the heat source and the fuel. This recall serves as a direct warning that the standard way these units were intended to be used—keeping firewood underneath—was fundamentally unsafe due to the risk of ignition from residual heat or embers.
Real Flame has acknowledged the hazard and has initiated a comprehensive remedy plan. The company is contacting all known purchasers directly to inform them of the defect. However, consumers who may have purchased these items as gifts or through secondary markets must rely on visual inspection and UPC codes to determine if their product is included. The recall emphasizes that this is not a minor inconvenience but a serious fire hazard that requires immediate attention. By identifying the exact models and their unique identifiers, Real Flame and the CPSC aim to ensure that every owner of these specific Arroyo and Hideaway fire pits understands the urgency of removing the product from their property.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, the Real Flame Arroyo and Hideaway wood-burning fire pits look like safe, decorative additions to a patio or garden. They are designed to hold a controlled fire, and when used exactly as intended—burning only dry, seasoned wood inside the main chamber—they function much like any other standard outdoor fireplace. However, the specific design flaw identified in this recall introduces a dangerous variable that many users might not immediately consider: the storage of fuel directly beneath the unit.
The core issue lies in how these particular models are constructed and where heat travels. Both the Arroyo chimenea-style pit and the round Hideaway model generate significant radiant and conductive heat during operation. While the exterior metal may feel warm, it is generally designed to withstand that temperature for the duration of a fire. The problem arises when users take advantage of the space underneath the fire pit to store unburned wood or kindling. In many outdoor settings, this area seems like a convenient, sheltered spot to keep fuel dry and close at hand. Unfortunately, the heat radiating from the bottom and sides of the burning chamber can transfer through the floor or ground surface, or simply linger in the enclosed space below if the design allows for such accumulation.
Wood is highly flammable, but it does not need to be exposed to an open flame to catch fire. This process is known as auto-ignition. When dry wood is subjected to sustained heat over a period of time, its temperature gradually rises until it reaches its ignition point. For typical dry firewood, this can happen at temperatures significantly lower than those produced by a roaring campfire. The recalled units have been found to retain enough residual heat or radiate enough thermal energy into the storage area beneath them that stored wood can slowly char and eventually ignite on its own. This means the fire hazard is not just about sparks flying out of the top; it is about the structure itself becoming an unintended oven for your fuel supply.
This mechanism transforms a convenient storage solution into a ticking time bomb. Once the stored wood ignites, the fire can spread rapidly to nearby combustible materials, such as wooden decking, dry leaves, patio furniture, or even the home’s siding if the pit is placed too close to a structure. The report of minor property damage associated with this recall likely stems from this exact scenario: a secondary fire started not by user error in lighting the main flame, but by the passive accumulation of heat under the unit affecting stored materials. Understanding that the danger is often hidden beneath the surface helps explain why stopping use immediately is critical, even if the pit itself looks intact and cool to the touch after you have extinguished the main fire.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about who is most at risk from the Real Flame Arroyo and Hideaway Wood Burning Fire Pits, it is important to look at both the physical nature of the hazard and the typical environment in which these units are used. The core issue here is not just that a fire pit exists, but specifically how it fails: wood stored underneath the unit can ignite. This means the risk is not limited to people standing directly over the flames. Instead, the danger radiates outward from the base of the structure, creating a hidden threat zone around the entire appliance.
The primary group at risk includes anyone who owns or regularly uses these specific models, particularly those who purchased them exclusively through Crate and Barrel. Because the Arroyo is a large, chimenea-style fireplace standing about 5 feet high, it is often placed in prominent outdoor living areas such as patios, decks, or backyards. These are social spaces where families gather. If you have one of these units, your immediate household members are at the highest risk because they are the ones most likely to be near the base of the fire pit when the storage compartment overheats.
Children are particularly vulnerable in this scenario for several reasons. First, their height is closer to the ground level where the hazard originates. The Arroyo measures 5 feet tall, and the Hideaway is about 1½ feet high; both place the ignition source relatively low to the ground compared to adult eye levels. A child might not immediately recognize that the heat coming from the base or the smell of burning wood indicates a critical failure until it is too late. Furthermore, children are naturally curious and may be drawn to the fire pit as a play area or a place to explore, increasing their exposure time to the unit’s surface and the surrounding ground.
Elderly individuals or those with mobility challenges also face heightened risks. If a fire ignites from the stored wood underneath, it can spread quickly to nearby decking materials, rugs, or furniture. For someone who may have slower reaction times or difficulty moving away from a hazard rapidly, the proximity to the ignition source becomes a serious safety concern. Additionally, if the unit is placed on wooden decks or near flammable landscaping, the potential for property damage that could lead to secondary injuries (such as falls while fleeing) increases.
It is also worth noting that the risk extends beyond just the owner. Guests, neighbors, or delivery personnel who may be standing near the fire pit without knowing its specific condition are also at risk. Since the hazard involves internal storage compartments igniting, it can happen without obvious external warning signs until smoke or flames become visible. This unpredictability means that anyone within the vicinity of the recalled Arroyo or Hideaway models should be considered potentially vulnerable until the unit is removed.
- Primary Owners: Those who bought the Arroyo (UPC 752370060107) or Hideaway (UPC 752370064501) from Crate and Barrel.
- Children: Due to their height relative to the fire pit’s base and potential for curiosity-driven proximity.
- Elderly or Mobility-Impaired Individuals: Who may have difficulty evacuating quickly if a fire spreads from the unit.
- Guests and Neighbors: Anyone standing near the unit who is unaware of the internal storage hazard.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you purchased a wood-burning fire pit from Crate and Barrel, taking a moment to verify your specific model is the most important step you can take right now. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 15, 2021, targets two distinct designs manufactured by Real Flame. Because these units are large outdoor fixtures, they are not always immediately recognizable from a quick glance, especially if they have been moved to a patio or garage for storage. To ensure you do not accidentally use a hazardous product, you need to look for specific physical characteristics and, most critically, the unique identifier codes attached to each unit.
First, identify the shape and style of your fire pit. The recall covers two specific models: the Arroyo and the Hideaway. Both units are finished in a black color, which is standard for this type of outdoor equipment, but their silhouettes are quite different. The Arroyo is designed as a chimenea-style fireplace. It stands approximately 5 feet high and measures about 1½ feet wide. If your unit is tall and narrow with a chimney-like structure, it is likely the Arroyo. In contrast, the Hideaway is a round wood-burning fireplace. It is much shorter, measuring about 1½ feet high, but it is wider, spanning approximately 3 feet in diameter. If your fire pit is low-profile and circular, you likely have the Hideaway model.
The most reliable way to confirm whether your specific unit is part of this recall is by locating the Universal Product Code (UPC) sticker. This label is typically affixed to the body of the fire pit, often near the base or on the interior surface where the wood is loaded. You must check for one of the following two numbers exactly as written:
- 752370060107: This UPC corresponds to the Arroyo chimenea-style fireplace.
- 752370064501: This UPC corresponds to the Hideaway round fireplace.
It is vital that you verify these numbers digit by digit. If your product has a different UPC, or if you cannot find a label at all, it is highly recommended that you contact Real Flame directly to confirm its status. Remember that these products were sold exclusively at Crate and Barrel. If you bought the fire pit from a different retailer, it may not be part of this specific recall, though verifying with the manufacturer remains the safest course of action. Do not rely on memory alone; find the sticker and compare the code against the list above.
What to do — step by step
If you own one of the recalled Real Flame Arroyo or Hideaway Wood Burning Fire Pits, your immediate priority is safety. The first and most critical action you must take is to stop using the fire pit immediately. Do not light any kindling or place wood inside it, even if you plan to use it later. The hazard stems from stored wood igniting under the unit, so removing the source of fuel is essential. By ceasing use right away, you eliminate the risk of a fire starting in your home, patio, or outdoor space. This is not a situation where you can "wait and see" or finish using up the remaining wood; the defect poses an active danger that requires immediate cessation of operation. Once you have ensured the unit is off and cool, you need to initiate the return process. Real Flame has committed to contacting all known purchasers directly, which means they are proactively managing the logistics for many customers. However, if you do not receive a call or email from them soon, you should take the initiative to contact their customer support team. You can reach Real Flame by calling 800-654-1704 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can visit www.realflame.com and click on "Support" for additional information and guidance. When you contact them, clearly state that you have a recalled Arroyo or Hideaway fire pit and wish to participate in the recall remedy. The remedy offered is comprehensive: Real Flame will arrange for the removal of your fire pit in exchange for a full refund. This means you do not need to worry about shipping costs or disposal fees yourself; the company is handling the logistics. When speaking with their support team, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to verify it is part of this recall. Confirm whether you have an Arroyo model (a black chimenea-style fireplace, approximately 5 feet high and 1½ feet wide, with UPC 752370060107) or a Hideaway model (a black round wood burning fireplace, approximately 1½ feet high and 3 feet wide, with UPC 752370064501). Providing the UPC code can help speed up the verification process. After you have contacted Real Flame and confirmed your eligibility for the refund, follow their specific instructions for scheduling the pickup or drop-off. Do not attempt to dismantle or move the heavy iron unit yourself unless explicitly instructed to do so by customer service. The goal is to ensure the fire pit is removed safely and that you receive your full refund without any out-of-pocket expenses. By following these steps promptly, you protect your home from potential fire damage and secure your financial reimbursement efficiently.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you own one of the recalled Real Flame Arroyo or Hideaway Wood Burning Fire Pits, it is important to understand exactly how the remedy works before you take any action. The manufacturer, Real Flame, has outlined a specific path for resolution: they are not offering repairs or replacements for these particular units. Instead, the official remedy is a full refund in exchange for the complete removal of the fire pit from your property. This approach prioritizes safety above all else because the design flaw—where stored wood can ignite—is inherent to the unit’s construction and cannot be safely fixed with a simple part swap or kit. Therefore, keeping the item, even after contacting support, is not an option under this recall.
The process begins with Real Flame initiating contact directly with all known purchasers. This means that if you bought the item through Crate and Barrel, the company may reach out to you via email, phone, or mail to confirm your details and initiate the return process. However, you should not wait passively for this notification. If you have not yet heard from them, it is best to take the initiative to ensure your refund is processed promptly. You can contact Real Flame’s consumer support team by calling 800-654-1704. Their representatives are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Alternatively, you can visit their official website at www.realflame.com and navigate to the "Support" section for additional information and online assistance options.
When you reach out, be prepared to provide specific details about your unit to verify that it is part of this recall batch. Have your model name (either Arroyo or Hideaway) ready, along with the Universal Product Code (UPC). For the Arroyo chimenea-style fireplace, look for UPC 752370060107. For the Hideaway round wood burning fireplace, the correct UPC is 752370064501. Providing this information helps customer service quickly identify your product and expedite the refund process.
Once you have arranged for the removal of the fire pit, Real Flame will issue a full refund. This means you should receive back the entire amount you originally paid for the unit, with no restocking fees or penalties. The goal is to make it as easy and financially neutral as possible for you to remove this hazard from your home. By exchanging the dangerous product for your money back, you eliminate the risk of a fire while recovering your investment. Please do not attempt to sell, donate, or give away the recalled units, as they remain hazardous even if unused. The only safe outcome is their removal and your refund.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall notice arrives in your mailbox or inbox, it is natural to feel a mix of annoyance and hesitation. You might think, "It hasn't happened yet," or "I'll just be more careful." However, with the Real Flame Arroyo and Hideaway Wood Burning Fire Pits, ignoring the recall is not merely an inconvenience; it is a direct invitation for a dangerous situation to unfold. The core issue here is deceptively simple but physically potent: wood stored underneath these units can ignite. This is not about the fire pit failing mechanically or leaking gas; it is about heat transfer and fuel accumulation in a way that creates an unpredictable and uncontrollable fire risk. The hazard stems from the design of these specific chimenea-style and round fire pits. While they are engineered to contain flames during normal operation, the structural integrity of the area beneath the main chamber does not provide sufficient insulation against radiant heat over time. If you have been using the habit of storing kindling, dry branches, or other combustible materials under the unit to save space or keep them ready for the next lighting, you are essentially building a fuel source directly adjacent to a high-heat zone. Over several uses, the metal heats up, transfers that energy downward, and can reach temperatures high enough to auto-ignite nearby wood. This process often happens silently and slowly, meaning you might not see smoke or sparks until it is too late. We already know this is not just a theoretical risk. Real Flame has confirmed at least one incident involving these specific models where a fire did occur, resulting in minor property damage. While no injuries have been reported in this initial phase, the absence of injury does not mean the hazard is mild. A small fire that causes "minor" damage to a deck, patio pavers, or nearby furniture can quickly escalate. If your fire pit is located near a wooden deck railing, a dry lawn, or close to the siding of your home, the potential for rapid spread increases dramatically. What starts as a smoldering pile under the pit can ignite surrounding structures, leading to significant home damage and threatening the safety of your family and neighbors. Furthermore, ignoring the recall means you are relying on luck rather than safety protocols. Fire does not adhere to schedules or careful intentions. A gust of wind, a stray ember, or simply a day where the ambient temperature is higher than usual can accelerate the ignition process. By continuing to use the recalled Arroyo or Hideaway models, you are gambling with your property and personal safety on the hope that the heat will never reach the critical threshold. The consequences of that gamble include not just the loss of the item itself, but potentially costly repairs, loss of personal belongings, and the severe emotional toll of a preventable house fire. The remedy offered—a full refund and removal—is a clear signal from the manufacturer that the risk outweighs any convenience of ownership. Choosing to keep the product means choosing to live with an active, unmitigated fire hazard in your own backyard.Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a design flaw in certain Real Flame fire pits, the underlying principle—that improper storage of combustible materials near heat sources is a leading cause of residential fires—applies to nearly every wood-burning appliance. Whether you own a chimenea, a freestanding fire pit, or a built-in hearth, treating these units with respect for their thermal output is the first line of defense against disaster. The danger often isn’t just in the flames themselves, but in what surrounds them. Many consumers mistakenly view the area immediately adjacent to a fire pit as a "safe zone" for storing kindling, logs, or even decorative items. However, radiant heat travels further than most people realize. Wood stored too close to the unit can dry out rapidly and reach its ignition temperature without ever touching an open flame. To mitigate this risk, establish a strict three-foot clearance radius around your fire pit where no combustible materials, including furniture, umbrellas, or overhanging branches, are permitted. This zone should remain clear not just during use, but for several hours after the fire has died down, as residual heat in the metal can still ignite nearby objects.
Another critical aspect of long-term safety is regular maintenance and inspection. Over time, the finishes on metal fire pits can degrade, or loose components may develop that allow embers to escape where they shouldn’t. Always check your unit for cracks, rust holes, or loose joints before lighting a fire. If your model includes an ash pan or collection tray, ensure it is emptied completely and cooled down before storing any remaining wood nearby. Never store unburned fuel inside the fire pit itself unless it is specifically designed to hold hot ashes safely. Instead, keep your dry, seasoned wood in a covered, well-ventilated area at least 10 feet away from the burning unit. This not only prevents accidental ignition but also keeps moisture out of your fuel, ensuring a cleaner, more efficient burn that produces less smoke and fewer sparks.
Beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire pit, consider installing a battery-operated smoke detector and a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in your home, particularly if you live in an area where wood-burning is common. While these alarms are standard safety equipment, their presence can provide a crucial second layer of protection if a fire were to spread beyond the intended containment area. Additionally, make it a habit to periodically check official recall databases, such as those maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Products are recalled for many reasons, and knowing that your specific model is up to date with safety standards provides peace of mind. By combining vigilant maintenance, proper fuel storage, and general home safety awareness, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a wood-burning fire pit without compromising your family’s safety.