April
2, 2002
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 http://www.wenzelco.com/news_recall.asp.
Consumers with Ozark Trail lanterns also can visit Wal-Mart's website at http://www.walmartstores.com/wmstore/wmstores/HomePage.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1415580650.1017761009@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccjadcehklegmdcfkfcfkjdgoodglh.0&template=newFAQ.jsp&categoryOID=-9342.
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.