The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·11164·Announced 2011-03-10

Southern Enterprises Recalls Colin Cowie Gel-Fuel Fireplaces for Fire and Fall Hazards

Southern Enterprises is recalling about 6,000 Colin Cowie gel-fuel wall fireplaces because heat can deform mounting screws, causing the unit to fall and start a fire.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves significant injury reports (broken toes, knee injury) and fire hazards, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating under the rubric for significant injury/property-damage reports.

Plain-English summary

Southern Enterprises Inc. (SEI) is recalling approximately 6,000 Colin Cowie Gel-Fuel Wood Fireplaces. The recall involves dual-positioning, wood wall-mount fireplaces with item No. 955-074, manufactured in July 2010. These units feature an espresso-colored finish with copper, silver, or antique gold metal trim and can be hung horizontally or vertically. The lot number SEI/07/001 is located on a label on the rear of the unit.

The recall is due to a hazard where heat from the operating unit causes plastic mounting screws to deform. This deformation can cause the fireplace to detach from the wall and fall, posing both a fall hazard and a fire hazard. SEI has received reports of 21 incidents involving the product detaching, heat damage, and/or fire. Additionally, there are two reports of personal injuries, including a knee injury and broken toes.

The recalled fireplaces were sold exclusively by Home Shopping Network between October and November 2010 for about $250. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact SEI at (877) 858-4959 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.seidal.com/retrofit, to request a free corrective retrofit kit.

The recalled product

Product
Colin Cowie Gel-Fuel Wood Fireplaces
Manufacturer
Southern Enterprises Inc. (SEI), of Coppell, Texas
Category
Consumer Product — Fireplaces
Hazard
Affected units
6,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · fire

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