Safety regulator, Wenzel Announce Recall of Ozark Trail and Wenzel Propane Camping Lanterns

Recall number

01223

Date

Aug 28, 2001

Company

Wenzel Co.

Units affected

290,000

Product

Ozark Trail and Wenzel propane-fueled camping lanterns

Product type

Camping Items

Hazard

Fire

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.The propane cylinder, which is not affected by the recall and is not distributed by Wenzel, is sold separately from the lantern.

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.

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.

Incidents

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.

Sold at

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.