For Immediate Release
April 2, 2002
Release # 02-132
CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross (301) 504-0580 Ext. 1189
Lantern Recall Hotline: (800) 325-8368
CPSC, Wenzel Reminds Consumers about Recall of Propane Camping
Lanterns
Double Mantle
Single Mantle
WASHINGTON, D.C.- As Americans prepare for the camping season,
they should check to see if their propane lantern is part of this
recall. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC), Wenzel Co., of St. Louis, Mo., is reminding consumers of
its voluntary recall of about 290,000 propane-fueled camping lanterns
with model names "Ozark Trail" or "Wenzel."
Lanterns purchased after September 1, 2001 are not covered by this
recall.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consumers also 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
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.