CPSC, Wenzel Reminds Consumers about Recall of Propane Camping Lanterns
Home product recall 02-132. Announced by CPSC on Apr 2, 2002.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Apr 2, 2002. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 290,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you 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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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
Which ones are recalled?
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
About 290,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
Ozark Trail or “Wenzel” propane-fueled camping lanterns.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Wenzel Co., St. Louis, Mo.
- 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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.