A Popular Amazon Product Left a Former Navy Swimmer With Devastating Burns
A former U.S. Navy search-and-rescue swimmer has filed a lawsuit against Amazon and the manufacturer of a tabletop fire pit, alleging the popular product exploded while he was refueling it and left him with devastating burns across much of his body.
Anthony Trevino, 31, says the September 2025 incident permanently changed his life after the alcohol-fueled fire pit erupted during use at his San Diego apartment.
According to the complaint filed in San Diego Superior Court on Aug. 5, Trevino suffered extensive third-degree burns affecting his face, neck, ears, torso, arms, hands and fingers after the device allegedly ignited in a violent burst of flames.
Court filings claim the explosion was powerful enough to melt a nearby light fixture and leave visible burn damage on the balcony railing surrounding the patio.
Trevino reportedly spent weeks hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injuries. The lawsuit states he continues to live with permanent scarring and lasting physical effects from the incident.
“I never imagined that a product sold to me as safe and easy would cause this in my own home,” Trevino said in a statement released through his legal team.
The lawsuit names both Amazon and Colsen Fire Pits, along with Gusar LLC, alleging the companies continued selling a product they either knew or should have known posed a significant safety risk to consumers.
According to the complaint, the tabletop fire pit operates using rubbing alcohol as fuel and is allegedly susceptible to a dangerous phenomenon known as “flame jetting,” where flames can travel back through the stream of fuel being poured into the device, triggering a sudden fireball.
Trevino’s attorneys argue the product was defectively designed and cite previous burn incidents involving similar alcohol-burning fire pits.
The lawsuit also claims Trevino originally purchased the fire pit through Amazon in 2021. Based on recommendations generated by Amazon’s shopping algorithm, he later purchased isopropyl alcohol to fuel the device.
According to the complaint, Trevino intended to use the fire pit simply to create a relaxing atmosphere on the patio outside his apartment.
His legal team further alleges ethanol-burning tabletop fire pits have long been associated with serious safety concerns and notes similar products have faced restrictions or bans in countries including Australia and Canada.
The Colsen-branded fire pit was the subject of a federal consumer safety alert and was recalled in 2024. Amazon has said it removed the affected products from its online marketplace and notified customers following the recall.
However, Trevino’s lawsuit argues the notification failed to adequately warn consumers about the alleged severity of the danger or offer refunds for previously purchased units.
The complaint seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. Trevino also alleges the injuries have taken a significant emotional toll in addition to the physical harm.
“My career was dedicated to rescuing people from dangerous situations,” Trevino said. “I can’t change what happened to me, but I hope holding Amazon accountable will help prevent someone else from suffering the same kind of injuries.”
The lawsuit comes as similar legal claims have been filed by other consumers involving the same brand of tabletop fire pits. Court records also indicate that Colsen Fire Pits filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and appears to have ceased operations.
