February 13, 2026 – A residential direct-vent propane gas stove, the Hearthstone Waitsfield 8770-001DX (LP), is at the center of a safety incident involving a long-standing, unaddressed defect in its pilot assembly. A consumer reports that a known manufacturer safety mitigation program was not disclosed by either the manufacturer or an authorized dealer for years, leading to prolonged abnormal operation, over-firing, and ultimately, spider-web cracking of the firebox glass, creating significant safety risks including potential fire or carbon monoxide exposure.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident revolves around a Hearthstone Waitsfield direct-vent propane gas stove purchased and installed in early 2019. The stove reportedly operated for years with a defective pilot assembly that was subject to a manufacturer safety mitigation bulletin, which required the unit to be shut off until the part was replaced. Despite multiple service visits from the authorized dealer, Pine Lake Stoves, this critical bulletin was never disclosed to the homeowner, and the stove was repeatedly returned to service. The manufacturer, Hearthstone Home Heating Prod., also failed to notify the consumer about this known defect and proactive replacement program.
In October 2024, the defective pilot assembly was eventually replaced by a different service provider, as the authorized dealer was unavailable. This replacement was paid for out of pocket, and even then, the consumer was not informed that the appliance was subject to a manufacturer’s replacement program. By this time, the stove had been in use for years with the faulty part.
The prolonged abnormal operation, including over-firing and flame impingement, as a result of the defective pilot assembly, culminated in December 2025. After yet another service visit where the dealer once again returned the stove to service without disclosing the pilot mitigation program, the consumer’s tenant reported that multiple panes of the sealed firebox glass had developed spider-web cracking. It was only at this point that the consumer independently discovered Hearthstone’s bulletin regarding the known defect and pilot replacement program through online research.
The dealer later acknowledged in writing that the glass failure was due, at least in part, to the pilot assembly not having been replaced earlier. Although the dealer initially returned the stove to service even after discovering the cracked glass, the consumer took the appliance out of service themselves. The tenants are currently relying on backup electric heat.
The consumer has attempted to contact the manufacturer multiple times regarding this issue but has only received automated email receipts, without any substantive response.
Safety Concerns
This incident highlights several serious safety concerns:
- Risk of Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure: The primary concern stemming from compromised containment in a sealed combustion gas appliance like the Hearthstone Waitsfield stove is the potential for fire and lethal carbon monoxide poisoning. Cracks in the firebox glass can allow flames to escape, ignite nearby combustible materials, or permit deadly CO gas, an odorless and colorless byproduct of incomplete combustion, to leak into living spaces.
- Physical Injury from Shattered Glass: While no physical injuries have been reported to date, cracked glass can weaken over time and could potentially shatter, posing a laceration hazard to occupants.
- Failure of Safety Mitigation Program: The incident underscores a critical failure in the manufacturer’s safety mitigation program, as neither the manufacturer nor its authorized dealer effectively communicated a known safety defect and replacement program to the end-user. This lack of communication allowed a hazardous condition to persist for years.
- Prolonged Abnormal Operation: The report indicates “over-firing and flame impingement,” which suggests the stove was operating outside its intended parameters. This can lead to accelerated wear and tear on components, increased risk of component failure, and reduced efficiency, in addition to the immediate safety risks.
- Impact on Tenants/Vulnerable Populations: When a product is in a rental property, tenants may not be aware of its service history or potential defects, placing them at higher risk if the landlord is not properly informed or if defects are not adequately addressed.
What Consumers Should Do
If you own a Hearthstone Waitsfield 8770-001DX (LP) gas stove or any similar direct-vent gas appliance, take the following actions:
- Immediately Cease Use if Damaged: If your stove exhibits any signs of damage, such as cracked glass, unusual flame patterns, or odd noises, immediately turn off the appliance and cease all use.
- Check for Safety Bulletins and Recalls: Research online for any safety bulletins, recalls, or service advisories related to your specific model of gas stove. Check the manufacturer’s website and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website (www.cpsc.gov).
- Contact Manufacturer and Dealer: Reach out to Hearthstone Home Heating Prod. directly to inquire about any known defects or safety programs for your model. Also, contact your authorized dealer to ask about service bulletins and to schedule an inspection.
- Ensure Proper Servicing: Insist that any service provider checks for and addresses all manufacturer safety bulletins and performs comprehensive safety checks during maintenance visits.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure you have working carbon monoxide detectors installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas and where gas appliances are located. Test them regularly.
- Report Incidents: If you experience any issues or safety concerns with your gas stove, report it immediately to the manufacturer and file an incident report with the CPSC at www.cpsc.gov or by calling their hotline at 1-800-638-2772.
Manufacturer’s Response
The manufacturer, Hearthstone Home Heating Prod., has confirmed receipt of the incident report to the CPSC. However, according to the consumer, multiple direct attempts to contact the manufacturer regarding this issue resulted only in automated email notifications, with no substantive response provided to the consumer regarding the specifics of the incident or the alleged failure of their safety mitigation program.
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. Farzan Law is a California based Personal Injury law firm focusing on protecting the rights of those wrongfully injured.
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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.