(WSVN) – A Miami company that made tabletop fire pits is facing several lawsuits from customers, who said, they were badly burned. 7’s Heather Walker investigates.

We want to warn you, some of the pictures you’re about to see might be disturbing.

The ads made them seem warm and cozy. The tabletop fire pits were sold online.

Kayla Hominski said, for her, the flames sparked pain and suffering.

Kayla Hominski, fire pit burn victim: “It’s life-altering, but my life is forever altered — physically, mentally, emotionally, in many ways.”

Kayla was burned on more than 40% of her body.

Kayla Hominski: “It just happened so quick.”

She was using her Colsen Fire Pit while entertaining friends one night.

When the flames appeared to go out, she asked her husband to re-light it.

Kayla Hominski: “He went to pour the liquid in. As soon as that liquid was in the fire pit, it just was kind of like a fire ball, kind of an explosion.”

That explosion is called flame jetting. It occurs when someone pours a flammable liquid over an exposed fire. The flames can shoot out as far as 15 feet or more, burning people nearby.

Stuart Ratzan, attorney: “Flame jetting is not something people are familiar with. It’s an absolutely horrific situation, because it can burn somebody to death in a matter of seconds.”

Stuart Ratzan is representing Kayla in a federal lawsuit against Colsen Fire Pits LLC and two other companies.

According to the lawsuit, the product “produces flames that may not be readily visible,” “which increases the risk of flame jetting.”

Kayla Hominski: “I just remember hearing screams and saying ‘You’re on fire!’ And I just remember kind of trying to slap off the fire, if you will. In those types of moments, you are in so much shock that you’re just kind of working to stay alive.”

Kayla was badly burned from head to toe. She spent weeks in the hospital enduring two skin graft surgeries and daily bandage changes.

Kayla Hominski: “I had to learn how to re-walk again. I basically had to relearn how to do most physical, everyday, day-to-day things that you don’t really think about.”

Even now, she still struggles with everyday life.

Kayla Hominski: “My children want to go to, like, a haunted house, and there’s a line that’s an hour long. I can’t stand in that line with them.”

A total of 19 people claim the Colsen Fire Pit caused burn injuries.

We went to the Miami manufacturer, but no one answered the door or our phone calls.

Their website is shut down. The home page now has the recall notice urging customers to “stop using” the fire pit and “throw it in the trash.”

Kayla Hominsko: “I can proudly say I was part of that.”

Kayla is proud she helped bring about the recall, but now, she’s hoping her lawsuit will get her back on her feet financially.

Heather Walker, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) – Miami-Dade County voting to give the city of Miami Beach a hefty bill after the city decided to rescind a proposed homeless tax measure from the ballot that would’ve allocated an estimate of $10 million annually towards the county’s homeless trust fund.

Miami-Dade commissioners exchanged view points during Wednesday night’s commission meeting.

From Commissioner Raquel Regalado to Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, the sentiment shared a common theme.

“Whatever issues historically occurred with these municipalities, respectfully, I think they need to get over it,” said Commissioner Raquel Regalado.

“They need to kumbaya. They need to kumbaya. Its not us. We’re literally open to anything. We’re just looking for a number,” said Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, III.

In late October, and in the middle of early voting the City of Miami Beach voted to rescind an item from the ballot, one that would have authorized a 1% food and beverage tax to support the homeless and and victims of domestic violence.

“Miami Beach is not paying its fair share. The county graciously agreed to invest in North Beach to the tune of $181 million and so it is right and just that we talk about this,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins.

Last year, the county authorized the creation of the North Beach District.

In exchange, Miami Beach leaders committed to expand collection of the homeless tax.

Last night, Miami Beach Commissioner David Suarez spoke before his county colleagues and said he was unaware of that agreement and will do what it takes to make things right.

“I’m going to put this back on the November 2026 ballot. I am going to make sure that the language is clear, transparent and that the voters have an opportunity to digest information that is accurate,” said Suarez. “And perhaps between now and November 2026, the homeless trust and I can negotiate a better deal where our most struggling business aren’t going to be taxed.”

Commissioners, considered taking back money they invested into to the redevelopment district in Miami Beach, but voted to demand to fine the city $10 million in surplus funds from the Lincoln Road District.

Two commissioners objected the idea.

“I do believe its a greater conversation to have and we want to be transparent about it and the timing of putting an item on at the ninth hour. I don’t think it is very transparent,” said Commissioner Micky Steinberg.

It’s unclear if Miami Beach commissioners will vote to put the measure back on tax ballot for 2026.

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