RecallWatchUSA

Home / Recalls / Lighting & Electrical

CPSC, Wenzel Reminds Consumers about Recall of Propane Camping Lanterns

Recalled April 2, 2002 · CPSC recall 02132 · Wenzel Reminds Consumers about

Recalled propane lanternRecalled propane lantern
Hazard
An insufficient connection between the lantern and the propane cylinder can allow gas to escape and ignite unexpectedly, posing a potential fire and injury hazard to consumers. This hazard can occur during the lighting or normal use of the lantern.
Remedy
Consumers with Ozark Trail or Wenzel lanterns should stop using them immediately and detach the lantern from the propane cylinder. Consumers should return only the lanterns to the store where purchased, for a refund.
Units
About 290,000
Incidents / injuries
Wenzel has received 12 reports of propane gas escaping from these lanterns and igniting unexpectedly. Two consumers sustained burns to the arm and hand. One of the consumers also suffered burns to the eye.

Description

The recalled lanterns are green and silver with brass fittings, have a glass globe, and stand about 9 inches high (without the propane cylinder attached). The lanterns, when attached to the propane cylinder, sit on a green plastic base on which the model names "Ozark Trail" or "Wenzel" appear. The Ozark Trail model has a double cloth mantle for lighting and the Wenzel model has either a double or single cloth mantle. The models involved are Ozark Trail 824927 and 824928, and Wenzel 824208, 824226, 824227 and 824401, which appear on the box in which the lantern came. Lanterns purchased after September 1, 2001 are not covered by this recall. The propane cylinder, which is not affected by the recall and is not distributed by Wenzel, is sold separately from the lantern. The lantern recall was originally announced on August 28, 2001

What to do

Consumers with Ozark Trail or Wenzel lanterns should stop using them immediately and detach the lantern from the propane cylinder. Consumers should return only the lanterns to the store where purchased, for a refund.

Contact

Consumers can call Wenzel toll-free at (800) 325-8368 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday; or visit the company's website at www.wenzelco.com. Consumers with Ozark Trail lanterns also can visit Wal-Mart's website at www.walmartstores.com

Product
Ozark Trail or "Wenzel" propane-fueled camping lanterns
Manufacturer(s)
Wenzel Co., of St. Louis, Mo.
Retailers
Wal-Mart sold the lanterns nationwide under the "Ozark Trail" label, from March 1999 through August 2001, for about $18. Sporting goods, camping equipment, and other retail stores nationwide sold these lanterns under the "Wenzel" brand, from January 1999 through August 2001, for between $18 and $28.

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Official recall notice on cpsc.gov →