CPSC recall 11-164, announced March 10, 2011, covers Southern Enterprises Inc. (SEI) Colin Cowie Gel-Fuel Wood Fireplaces (about 6,000 units). Heat from the operating unit causes the plastic mounting screws to deform causing the unit to fall from the wall, posing a fall and fire hazard. The notice cites 21 incident reports. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and call SEI for a corrective retro fit kit that will be sent free of charge. Recall contact: call (877) 858-4959, or go to www.seidal.com/retrofit.
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Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
The CPSC data does not provide a discrete model-number list for this record. Compare the product description and identification details on the official notice.
Lot number SEI/07/001 can be found on a label on the rear of the unit in the upper right hand corner when horizontal.
Which products are included?
This recall involves Colin Cowie dual-positioning, wood wall-mount, gel-fuel fireplace with item No. 955-074. The wooden wall mount fireplace has an espresso-colored finish with copper, silver or antique gold finished metal trim. It may be hung in a horizontal or vertical position. This recall involves units manufactured in July 2010. Lot number SEI/07/001 can be found on a label on the rear of the unit in the upper right hand corner when horizontal.
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhat to look for
- Also in the notice
- Lot or batch numbers and item or SKU numbers. Compare these as well.
- Where to look
a label on the rear of the unit in the upper right hand corner
(the notice’s words)- When sold
- October 2010 through November 2010
- Price paid
- $250
Why it was recalled
Heat from the operating unit causes the plastic mounting screws to deform causing the unit to fall from the wall, posing a fall and fire hazard.
Incidents and injuries
SEI has received reports of 21 incidents of the product detaching from wall and falling, heat damage, and/or fire. Two reports of personal injuries, including a knee injury and broken toes.
Official remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and call SEI for a corrective retro fit kit that will be sent free of charge.
What to do now
- Check the product. This notice lists no model numbers. Compare yours with the description and photos in the official notice.
- Stop using it. The notice says to stop using recalled units immediately.
- Contact the firm. Call (877) 858-4959, or go to www.seidal.com/retrofit.
- Get the remedy. This recall offers a replacement. The notice says the remedy is free.
- Read the official notice. The CPSC notice is the final word on which units are included and what to do.
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Product and sales details
- Brand
- Southern Enterprises Inc. (SEI)
- Product type
- Fireplaces
- Recall number
- 11-164
- Units
- About 6,000
- Manufactured in
- China
- Sold at / sales period
- Home Shopping Network between October and November 2010 for about $250.
- Importer
- Southern Enterprises Inc. (SEI), of Coppell, Texas
Colin Cowie Gel-Fuel Wood Fireplaces
CPSC product type: Fireplaces
This recall in context
Compared with the 52 fireplace recalls in this index, as of October 31, 2026.
- Size
- 6,000 units: the 17th-largest of 46 fireplace recalls that state a unit count. The median is 2,850 units.
- Hazards
- Fire: named in 35 of 52 fireplace recalls, the most common hazard among them. Fall: named in 1 of 52 fireplace recalls.
- Remedy
- Replacement: offered in 6 of 52 fireplace recalls. The most common is repair (14).
- Time on sale
- 2 months. Recalled 4 months after the last month of sales the notice gives.
Recall contact information
For additional information, contact SEI at (877) 858-4959 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.seidal.com/retrofit
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
Know someone who has one?
Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
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