January 2, 2026 – A recent incident report details a dangerous malfunction involving an Ozark Trail Tabletop Burner, manufactured by Walmart Stores Inc. The product reportedly exploded while in use at a campsite, causing a product burn and narrowly missing the user’s face. This incident highlights significant safety concerns regarding portable outdoor cooking equipment.
Product Details
Incident Overview
On December 11, 2025, an individual camping at a [REDACTED] recreation site experienced a severe product malfunction with their Ozark Trail Tabletop Burner. According to the incident report, the burner “EXPLODED ALMOST HITTING MY FACE.” The user sustained a “PRODUCT BURN” as a direct result of the explosion. The report indicates the incident occurred while the product was in use during a camping trip, implying it was being operated under conditions typical for such an appliance. The specific cause of the explosion, such as an internal component failure, fuel leak, or external factor, was not detailed in the report. The proximity of the explosion to the user’s face underscores the extreme danger posed by such a failure.
Safety Concerns
The reported explosion of an Ozark Trail Tabletop Burner raises several critical safety concerns:
- Immediate Dangers: An explosion from a tabletop burner carries significant immediate risks. These include severe burns from flames or hot liquids/gases, projectile injuries from shrapnel (metal fragments, stove components, or cooking contents), and concussive force. The report explicitly mentions a “PRODUCT BURN” and that the explosion “ALMOST HIT MY FACE,” indicating a high risk of facial injuries, eye damage, or even more severe trauma.
- Long-Term Risks: Victims of such incidents can suffer from severe, long-lasting consequences. Burn injuries can lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, chronic pain, and a heightened risk of infection. Facial injuries can result in disfigurement, vision impairment, and psychological trauma requiring extensive medical and rehabilitative care.
- Who Might Be Affected: These burners are commonly used by campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, often in close quarters with family and friends, including children. An unpredictable explosion puts anyone nearby at risk, making the incident particularly dangerous in a recreational setting.
- Property Damage Potential: Beyond personal injury, an exploding burner can cause significant property damage. The sudden release of highly flammable fuel and intense heat can ignite tents, camping gear, surrounding vegetation, or other personal belongings, leading to widespread fires and substantial financial loss.
What Consumers Should Do
Given the serious nature of this incident, consumers who own an Ozark Trail Tabletop Burner or similar portable camping stoves should take immediate precautions:
- Immediately Cease Use: If you own an Ozark Trail Tabletop Burner, particularly one purchased from Walmart Online, it is strongly advised to stop using it immediately.
- Inspect Your Product: Carefully inspect your burner for any signs of damage, leaks, corrosion, or irregularities before any use. However, even products appearing to be in good condition can pose a risk if there is an inherent defect.
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly, fuel loading, operation, and maintenance. Ensure proper ventilation when using any gas appliance.
- Safe Fuel Handling: Store fuel canisters in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Always connect and disconnect fuel canisters in an open, well-ventilated space, away from ignition sources.
- Report Incidents: If you experience any malfunction, unusual behavior, or an incident with this product or any other consumer product, report it immediately to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at www.cpsc.gov.
- Retain Product and Documentation: Do not discard the product, packaging, or any purchase documentation. These may be crucial for investigations or legal claims.
Manufacturer’s Response
As of the date of this post, the manufacturer’s response to this specific incident report is unknown. Consumers should monitor official channels from Walmart Stores Inc. and the CPSC for any potential product recalls, safety notices, or further information regarding this incident.
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.