They're called gel pots, and officials are warning about them after they caused accidents so severe, people were put in the hospital with third degree burns and organ failure.

The pots were originally released by Napa Home and Garden. They're attractive pots that are generally used for outdoor, table-top lighting. They use a gel fluid instead of a liquid to light.

There are no wicks. You simply pour the gel into the top of the pot and light. But some of the pots have exploded when people add fuel to them.

This is due in part to the fact that the flame on gel pots is almost invisible. The company attempted to make the pots environmentally friendly, but burning the gel and avoiding black smoke. Instead, it presents a safety risk, because you can't always tell whether the pot is lit or not.

And if the gel hits you, Dave Cherrone with Clay Fire says there's really very little you can do. Because it is a gel, it sticks to whatever it touches. So if the lighted gel spills on you and you try to pat it out, it will spread to your hands.

A man in Granger was injured when a pot spilled into his lap, causing burns to his legs and hands. Adding water only worsens the situation, because it makes the gel splash, instead of putting out the fire. Cherrone says the best thing you can do is use a fire extinguisher, because the good old "stop, drop and roll" won't work if you find yourself in this situation.

Cherrone demonstrated the danger of the lighted gel by pouring it over a towel wrapped around a rolling pin. He then lit the pin and rolled it over a concrete block. Instead of suffocating the flame, the fire spread to the concrete itself.

Surprisingly, the product is advertised as being suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Napa Home and Garden has recalled their gel pots. If you have one of these products and wish to return it, we have a link to a form the company has provided to get a refund. Just click on the Big Red Bar.

Other companies like Bird Brain still sell the pots.