January 9, 2026 – A consumer has reported a serious safety incident involving a Mr Buddy Portable Big Buddy Radiant Heater, purchased from Walmart, citing a strong propane smell and non-functional igniter, leading to concerns of explosion danger. The report highlights potential risks associated with gas appliances and challenges faced by consumers seeking resolution for faulty products.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident, reported on December 17, 2025, details a consumer’s experience after purchasing a Mr Buddy Portable Big Buddy Radiant Heater from Walmart. Upon attempting to use the device, the consumer immediately detected a strong odor of propane, indicating a potential gas leak. Despite the presence of propane, the heater’s igniter failed to light the gas, creating a hazardous situation. The consumer expressed significant concern regarding an “EXPLOSION DANGER!” due to the unignited propane leak.
Adding to the distress, the consumer, identified as a 70-year-old disabled woman undergoing cancer treatment and residing in an area experiencing severe Ohio weather, reported extreme difficulty in obtaining assistance. She stated that neither the manufacturer’s customer service (via phone or email) nor Walmart would respond to her pleas for help, exchange the faulty unit, or provide a full refund. The consumer emphasized her urgent need for a working heater and her vulnerable circumstances.
Safety Concerns
The reported incident with the Mr Buddy Portable Big Buddy Radiant Heater raises several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: A strong propane smell coupled with an igniter that fails to light indicates a dangerous accumulation of uncombusted propane gas. Propane is highly flammable and heavier than air, meaning it can settle in low areas. Any spark – from an electrical switch, static electricity, or even the faulty igniter attempting to fire – could trigger an explosion or flash fire, leading to severe burns, property destruction, or even fatalities.
- Asphyxiation Risk: While the primary concern here is explosion, a significant propane leak in an enclosed space can also reduce oxygen levels, posing an asphyxiation risk to occupants.
- Property Damage Potential: An explosion or fire resulting from a propane leak can cause extensive damage to homes, vehicles, and surrounding property, leading to significant financial loss.
- Vulnerable Populations: The incident highlights the amplified risk for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with medical conditions, who may have reduced mobility to escape a dangerous situation or greater sensitivity to hazardous conditions. Their reliance on such devices for essential needs, especially during adverse weather, underscores the importance of product reliability and responsive customer support.
- Lack of Resolution: The inability of the consumer to receive prompt assistance or a resolution from either the retailer or manufacturer compounds the immediate danger, leaving a vulnerable individual in a precarious situation with a potentially explosive device.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Mr Buddy Portable Big Buddy Radiant Heater or any portable propane heater and experience similar issues:
- Immediate Steps:
* Do Not Use the Product: If you smell propane, do not attempt to light the heater or use any electrical switches, appliances, or open flames.
* Ventilate Immediately: Open windows and doors to air out the area.
* Turn Off Gas Supply: If possible and safe to do so, turn off the propane tank valve connected to the heater.
* Evacuate: If the propane smell is strong or persistent, evacuate the building immediately and move to a safe distance.
* Contact Emergency Services: Once safely away, call your local fire department or gas company to report a potential leak.
- Check Your Product: If you own a Mr Buddy Portable Big Buddy Radiant Heater, inspect it for any signs of damage, loose connections, or unusual odors, especially before and during use.
- Prevention Measures: Always use propane heaters in well-ventilated areas. Follow all manufacturer instructions for setup, operation, and maintenance. Regularly check hose connections for leaks using a soap and water solution (bubbles indicate a leak). Store propane tanks outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Reporting Procedures: Report any incidents of faulty products or safety concerns to the manufacturer directly. You should also file a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov, which helps identify potential widespread issues and enables regulatory action.
Manufacturer’s Response
Enerco Group, Inc., the manufacturer of the Mr Buddy Portable Big Buddy Radiant Heater, provided a response to the incident report on January 5, 2026, stating: “Enerco is committed to product safety and takes reports of incidents involving its products very seriously. This product, like all Enerco products, meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards. Any CPSC notifications received are investigated and analyzed to ensure that there are no larger safety concerns to address. This CPSC notification was handled in this manner and a response provided to the CPSC in connection with the consumer’s report.”
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.