Portable fireplaces, fire pots, fondue pots, and other products that use liquid or gel fuels are commonly used indoors and outdoors. While these products may appear to produce a controlled flame, they can pose a serious fire and burn hazard if they are not used correctly.
One of the most significant risks associated with these products is flame jetting, which can occur when liquid or gel fuel is added to a product that is still burning or has not completely cooled.
What Is Flame Jetting?
Flame jetting occurs when liquid or gel fuel is poured into a portable fireplace, fire pot, or fondue fuel reservoir that is still burning or remains hot.
During refuelling, fuel vapours inside the container can ignite. The flame can travel up the stream of fuel and into the fuel container, causing burning fuel to erupt from the container in a powerful jet. This can expose the user and anyone nearby to rapidly spreading flames.
Because flame jetting happens almost instantly, there is little or no time to move away from the flame, increasing the risk of serious burns and fire.
Serious Risk of Injury
Flame jetting has resulted in deaths and multiple serious burn injuries in Canada. Injuries have occurred not only to the person refuelling the product but also to bystanders nearby.
Consumers should never assume that a portable fireplace, fire pot, or fondue pot is safe to refill simply because the visible flame appears to be out. Some liquid fuels, particularly alcohol-based fuels, can burn with flames that are difficult to see.
Safe Refuelling Practices
To reduce the risk of flame jetting:
- Ensure the flame is completely extinguished before attempting to refill the product. Use a snuffer or other extinguishing feature provided by the manufacturer.
- Never pour liquid or gel fuel onto a burning flame or into a hot fuel reservoir.
- Allow the appliance to cool completely before adding more fuel.
Following these steps can significantly reduce the risk of fire and serious burn injuries.
Additional Safety Recommendations
When using portable fireplaces, fire pots, or fondue pots:
- Consider using non-refillable fuel canisters, which are a safer alternative to refillable liquid or gel fuels.
- If using refillable fuel, select containers equipped with a flame arrestor. A flame arrestor is a screen built into the container opening that helps reduce the likelihood of flames travelling back into the fuel container.
- Always place the product on a stable, level surface.
- Keep the product a safe distance from people, children, pets, and combustible materials.
- Store liquid and gel fuels with the cap tightly closed when not in use.
- Keep fuel containers away from open flames, heat sources, and anything that could create a spark.
Protect Yourself and Others
Portable fireplaces, fire pots, and fondue pots can present a significant fire hazard when used improperly. Never refill a product while it is burning or before it has completely cooled.
Understanding the risks of flame jetting and following safe refuelling practices can help prevent serious injuries and protect everyone nearby.
Blog Author
Alison Senyi
Alison completed her B.Soc.Sc. from the University of Ottawa, and an Honours Certificate of Occupational Safety and Health from Algonquin College. Prior to joining Dell Tech, Alison had over 5 years of experience working in the product safety industry. With her extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance, she can assist with guidance on regulations relating to consumer and industrial products.
