Tulsa Man Says Gas Grill Burst Into Flames

Updated: 7/14/2008 9:56 pm

Published: 7/14/2008 8:30 pm

     A gas grill bursts into flames during a backyard cookout. That’s what one Tulsa man says happened when he was grilling burgers the other night. Now, some stores have pulled the grills from their shelves.

   It’s a model of a Perfect Flame gas grill, bought at Lowes hardware store. A manager at Lowes said they pulled this grill from shelves last week. Just before that happened, Lowe’s took away Chris Jeffers grill. They gave him a full refund. But Jeffers says the manufacturer is ignoring a dangerous problem.

   In early July, Chris Jeffers says he was grilling the way he always does, following instructions. Then something happened.

   He said, “We put our hamburgers on, closed the lid walked in the house to finish preparation, and we go back outside and the whole grill’s on fire…The flames were leaping out the back of it up over the top of it.”

   He said he shut the gas off, but that didn’t slow down the fire.

“When I sprayed it with a fire extinguisher, it shot pieces like this all over my yard … I don’t know what was in the metal, but something was in the metal that kept the fire going.”

He posted pictures to his website to help warn others about this grill. He said he showed the manufacturer his website so the company could warn others or recall the grill.

    The company offered to pay Jeffers for the grill in exchange for keeping quiet.

     Jeffers said, “Then, when they didn’t hear anything from me all day, they actually sent me a copy of a check made out to me…I was shocked.”

    Jeffers said wasn’t persuaded.

    “I’m not taking the site down for them. I want people to know… I want to spread the word… I want people to know that these grills could possibly injure them, damage their property or potentially even kill somebody.”

   The grill manufacturer is a company called “Lucas Innovations”. Their customer service representative could only confirm… the manufacturer has NOT recalled the grill.  We are still waiting to hear back form the manufacturer with more details.

   Emily contacted Lowe’s Public Relations to find out just how many Lowe’s stores have pulled the grill from their shelves and why they did if there was no recall. I am still waiting for that information.

   Jeffers has filed a formal complaint with the CPSC. The director of public affairs told Fox 23, she cannot comment on any investigations.

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of KOKI FOX23 - Tulsa

DeepThroat - 7/17/2008 2:15 PM

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You have a case. However read on. Point one. The grill should have never been left unattended. This may be the only hitch in any lawsuite filed. BUT, a grease fire can start even if you are standing there, and the fire extinguishers should work though. The problem with this unit is it uses a aluminum and MAGNESIUM Alloy. Do you see the problem?? If the unit catches fire, and the MAG starts to burn, there is no putting it out, period. In addition the maufacturer is also known for cutting corners, has been fined for Asbestos in the steel used, and had a recall for faulty lid hinge that would allow the BBQ lid to fall off the back. The other thing is the Maufacturer, Lucas Pai himself, OWNS, has an office in, and personally oversees the BBQTek afterservice center. He also belives money can take care of everything, or buy him out of any problems. SO, I am sure the order to pay for Mr. Jefferies silence, came directly from him.

xponder1 - 7/16/2008 9:53 PM

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Wonder what gooberintulsa has to say about tonights July 16th story that aired. The video shows the exact same grill burned up in the same places from someone else here in the area. Please people stop using this grill!

hd1212 - 7/15/2008 9:39 PM

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You should have gone to Home Depot for your outdoor grill.

Teena - 7/15/2008 3:59 PM

2 Votes

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Kudos to Mr. Jeffers!!! Obviously "gooberintulsa" is an idiot as his screen name so reflects. It was clear this story was about safety, not about money!

Sheri6537 - 7/15/2008 2:34 PM

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That is exactly what happened you have to use extra lean hamburger when grilling NO ground round any gas grills will catch fire due to the grease.....

xponder1 - 7/14/2008 11:45 PM

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"gooberintulsa" I do not want money I want the grill recalled. I want the people who have these grills to know what they can do. I used to let my kid grill hotdogs on it. Lets face the facts here. 1. You posted before the story even aired and you did not know what you were talking about. 2. You make assumptions about people you have never met. You do not know me. 3. You are making a fool of yourself on here. 4. It is obvious something is in the metal that should not be there as the previous person posted. 5. I did not refuse the refund from Lowes. I spoke to the store manager on Tuesday and he sent someone to get the grill in 30 minutes. I then went to the store and was given the money back for the grill. I even purchased two replacement fire extinguishers while I was there. What I refused was a bribe from bbqtek to take down my web site. On my site please read the release file. Better yet watch the story before you post again. Next time try watching the story before posting to make sure your facts are correct. I am fighting to get Lowes to recall the grill because they are the only ones who sell it. Nothing more. You are a very negative person. I recommend you seek help. There are people who can help you. If your grill catches fire like mine did your going to have a completely different opinion of this issue. Lowes pulled the grill off the shelves because of my complaining. It was taken off their web site and removed from the store the day after I complained. It's a start. Now they need to finish the job and recall the grill and warn people of what it can do. Instead they want to offer me money to take down my web site. If you look at my web site and go to the links on the page it takes you to forums I found where others posted that their grills caught fire. Lowes pulled the grills out of every store because they know something is wrong. The same company had a grill recalled last May because it was missing a hose.

gooberintulsa - 7/14/2008 11:12 PM

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Your story sounds great. I bet within the week you have a lawsuit filed for a stupid amount of money..That's the BS behind your story. You could have taken the refund and still posted your story. The fact you refused the refund your motive is clear..$$$$$$$$$$$$

Slim2008 - 7/14/2008 10:31 PM

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It sounds like the grills ha been made of a magnesium based metal..even if the meat was fatty people the metal would not have burnt and if an extinquisher was used and flared the flames that meant there was something that was burning the metal and not grease...i was a fireman for 18 yrs and have seen this in the past...the company was trying to protect their profits from going out the window if the defect was found out...GOOD JOB for bringing this life threatening defect of the public before someone lost their life or property because of this defect

xponder1 - 7/14/2008 9:25 PM

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Since it was me and my grill I will just take a moment to let you know that a grease fire does not set metal on fire. The story only shows some of the pictures of the grill. Feel free to look at all the images on my web site http://www.familysite.ws As for comments posted about cheap burger. I do not buy cheap hamburger. That was lean beef. Despite your personal attack I hope that if you do have this grill that your very careful with it. If you look at the site you will see that many others have had their grills burn up the same way. One the same day.

gooberintulsa - 7/14/2008 9:09 PM

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Ooops got excited...I meant higher quality MEAT

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