October 21, 2026 — A Broilmaster Premium 24 inch 2 Burner Natural Gas freestanding grill, manufactured by EMPIRE COMFORT SYSTEMS, INC., reportedly caught fire underneath its control panel after being turned off following normal residential use. The incident, which occurred on September 9, 2026, caused significant damage to the grill’s control and gas delivery components, raising serious concerns about post-use fire hazards from the product.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On September 9, 2026, a Broilmaster Premium 24 inch 2 Burner Natural Gas freestanding grill, purchased on May 18, 2026, from Outdoor Kitchen Outlet, was used for normal outdoor cooking at a residential property. After cooking was completed, the user reportedly turned the grill off completely. However, upon returning to the grill later, flames were discovered developing in the area underneath the control panel.
The unexpected fire caused extensive damage to the grill. There was significant scorching, charring, and heat damage to the control knobs, igniters, the stainless steel control panel, and critical gas delivery components located underneath the unit, including a burned gas hose and connector. The main gas supply was immediately shut off, and the gas line disconnected to prevent further escalation. The grill has not been used since the incident and has been preserved in its post-incident condition.
According to the report, the grill had been professionally assembled in May 2026 and regularly received professional cleaning service, indicating that the incident did not stem from neglected maintenance or improper initial setup. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and no surrounding property was damaged. However, the fact that the fire developed in the gas and control area *after* the grill had been shut off presents a serious risk of fire, bodily injury, or extensive property damage had it gone undetected or progressed further.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several critical safety concerns associated with the Broilmaster P4XN-3 grill and similar models:
- Uncontrolled Fire Hazard: The most immediate danger is the potential for an uncontrolled fire to erupt from a seemingly “off” appliance. This presents a severe risk to users, nearby individuals, and surrounding property.
- Hidden Danger: The fire developing after the grill was shut off makes it particularly dangerous, as users might assume the appliance is safe and leave it unattended. This could allow a fire to grow significantly before being noticed, leading to more extensive damage or injury.
- Compromised Gas System: Flames in the area underneath the control panel directly impact critical gas delivery components, including the hose and connector. A compromised gas line poses a risk of gas leaks, which could lead to explosions or a larger, more destructive fire, affecting the grill and its surroundings.
- Bodily Injury and Property Damage: While no injuries or property damage occurred in this specific incident beyond the grill itself, such an occurrence could easily lead to severe burns, smoke inhalation, or extensive damage to decks, homes, and other flammable structures if the fire spreads.
- Potential Manufacturing/Design Defect: Given that the grill was professionally assembled and maintained, the incident raises questions about potential manufacturing defects or design flaws that could lead to gas leaks or ignition sources even when the unit is purportedly off.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Broilmaster P4XN-3 grill head with PCB1 cart base or a similar Broilmaster Premium 24 inch 2 Burner Natural Gas freestanding grill:
1. Immediate Actions in Case of Fire: If you observe flames coming from your grill after it has been shut off, immediately and safely shut off the main gas supply to the grill if possible. Do not attempt to move a burning grill. If the fire is uncontrollable or spreads, evacuate the area and call emergency services immediately.
2. Inspect Your Grill Regularly: Even with professional maintenance, routinely inspect your grill’s control panel area, gas hoses, and connections for any signs of wear, cracking, scorching, or unusual residue.
3. Monitor After Use: Always remain near your grill for a period after shutting it off to ensure no unexpected ignition occurs.
4. Discontinue Use if Concerned: If you notice any unusual smells, sounds, or visual anomalies from your grill, particularly around the control panel or gas connections, discontinue use immediately.
5. Verify Your Model: Check your grill’s model number and brand name to confirm if you own a Broilmaster P4XN-3 grill head with PCB1 cart base or a similar model from EMPIRE COMFORT SYSTEMS, INC.
6. Report Incidents: If you experience a similar incident or suspect a defect with your grill, preserve the product in its post-incident condition if safe to do so. Report the incident to both the manufacturer and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov.
Manufacturer’s Response
Following the incident, the retailer, Outdoor Kitchen Outlet, submitted a warranty claim on September 17, 2026. However, on the same day, EMPIRE COMFORT SYSTEMS, INC., the manufacturer, denied the claim based solely on a photo review, attributing the damage to “installation or maintenance” without conducting a physical inspection of the grill. A formal written escalation was sent to the manufacturer on September 21, 2026, with a follow-up on September 26, 2026. As of the incident report date, no substantive response to these escalations has been received from EMPIRE COMFORT SYSTEMS, INC.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.