Urgent Safety Alert: Walmart Recalls 200,000 Ozark Trail Camp Stoves Over Serious Burn Risk

Heads up, outdoor enthusiasts and casual campers! There's an important safety announcement you absolutely need to hear about, especially if you’ve recently purchased a camp stove from Walmart. The retail giant, in cooperation with the CPSC, has just announced a significant recall affecting approximately 200,000 Ozark Trail camp stoves due to a very real and concerning burn and fire risk.

Imagine this: you're out in nature, ready to cook up a warm meal, and suddenly your camp stove, the Ozark Trail Portable 2-Burner Propane Gas Camp Stove (model number 500355979), decides to become a safety hazard. That's precisely the danger we're talking about here. The issue stems from the stove's regulator, which, frustratingly, can detach from the propane fuel cylinder during use. And let's be clear, when that happens, you're looking at an uncontrolled flow of gas, a major fire risk, and potential serious burns. Nobody wants that kind of drama during a peaceful camping trip, right?

This isn't just a theoretical "what if." WMT Group, the importer, has received 29 reports already where the regulator decided to part ways with the fuel cylinder. More alarmingly, seven of those incidents involved actual minor burns to consumers. It really drives home the point that this is a tangible threat, not just a precautionary measure.

So, which stoves are we talking about? Specifically, it's the Ozark Trail Portable 2-Burner Propane Gas Camp Stove, often identifiable by its model number 500355979. These stoves, manufactured in China, were sold exclusively at Walmart stores nationwide and online at Walmart.com from December 2020 all the way through July 2024. They typically retailed for about $50. If you picked one up within that timeframe, or even just own this model, please pay close attention.

The message is simple, yet crucial: if you own one of these recalled Ozark Trail camp stoves, stop using it immediately. Seriously, don't even think about firing it up again. Your next step should be to contact WMT Group – that's the Walmart company handling this – to arrange for a full refund. You can reach them toll-free at 800-925-6278, available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT. Alternatively, for all the details and how to initiate the refund process online, simply visit Walmart.com, navigate to the "Product Recalls" section, and then look for "Camp Stoves."

Product recalls, while sometimes an inconvenience, are put in place for our safety. This particular recall highlights a significant potential danger, and taking action quickly is paramount. So, check your gear, stay safe out there, and make sure your next outdoor adventure is memorable for all the right reasons – not for a preventable accident.