The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·02132·Announced 2002-04-02

Wenzel and Ozark Trail Propane Camping Lanterns Recalled for Fire Hazard

Wenzel is recalling about 290,000 propane camping lanterns sold as Ozark Trail or Wenzel brands because gas can escape and ignite, causing burns.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a fire hazard with reported injuries, including burns to the arm, hand, and eye, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury reports).

Plain-English summary

Wenzel Co. is recalling approximately 290,000 propane-fueled camping lanterns sold under the "Ozark Trail" and "Wenzel" brands. The recall involves specific models: Ozark Trail 824927 and 824928, and Wenzel 824208, 824226, 824227, and 824401. These lanterns were sold nationwide at Wal-Mart and other sporting goods and camping equipment retailers between January 1999 and August 2001. Lanterns purchased after September 1, 2001, are not covered by this recall.

The recall is due to a potential fire and injury hazard. An insufficient connection between the lantern and the propane cylinder can allow gas to escape and ignite unexpectedly during lighting or normal use. Wenzel has received 12 reports of propane gas escaping and igniting. Two consumers sustained burns to the arm and hand, and one of these consumers also suffered burns to the eye.

Consumers with these lanterns should stop using them immediately and detach the lantern from the propane cylinder. The propane cylinder itself is not affected by the recall and is not distributed by Wenzel. Consumers should return only the lanterns to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can call Wenzel toll-free at (800) 325-8368 or visit www.wenzelco.com. Owners of Ozark Trail lanterns can also visit www.walmartstores.com.

The recalled product

Product
Ozark Trail or "Wenzel" propane-fueled camping lanterns
Manufacturer
Wenzel Co., of St. Louis, Mo.
Category
Consumer Product — Camping Equipment
Hazard
Affected units
290,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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