Walmart Camp Stove Lawsuit Claims Recalled Device Exploded, Caused Severe Burns

Ozark Trail camp stove has been linked to numerous reports of fires and explosions, which a new lawsuit claims is the result of a defective design.

A Texas man’s product liability lawsuit alleges that the defective design of an Ozark Trail camping stove and Coleman fuel canister sold by Walmart caused an explosion resulting in severe burns and permanent disfigurement.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Sergio Valles in the District Court of Harris County Texas on March 25, naming Walmart Inc., The Coleman Company Inc., and the China Window Industry Co. LTD as defendants. The case was later removed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on April 30.

Valles claims that the Ozark Trail camping stove and Coleman butane fuel canisters purchased from Walmart in 2024 exploded during their first use inside his tractor-trailer. The explosion allegedly ignited a fire that destroyed the cab and seriously injured Valles.

Camping Stove Defects

Walmart’s Ozark Trail camping stove is a portable stove designed for cooking during camping. Camping stoves rely on flammable butane gas in pressurized canisters, which can allow fuel to build up and increase the risk of leaks and flare-ups.

Consumers have raised concerns that the stoves are prone to catching fire and causing burn injuries. In November 2025, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for the Ozark Trail camping stoves, citing 26 reports of explosions and fires, as well as 16 reports of burn injuries.

This is at least the second Ozark Trail camping stove lawsuit filed this year by consumers who suffered burns and other injuries after their camping stoves caught fire. In February, a Colorado woman brought an Ozark Trail camping stove lawsuit after her stove exploded, leading to severe burn injuries and permanent scarring.

Walmart Camp Stove Lawsuit

In the new lawsuit, Valles indicates he purchased an Ozark Trail camping stove and two canisters of Coleman Butane fuel from Walmart in 2024. The stove reportedly exploded during its first use in his tractor-trailer, lighting the entire cab of the truck on fire.

Valles states he had just put the skillet on the burner, added several tablespoons of cooking oil and lit the stove when it suddenly exploded. This ignited a fierce fire in the cab. The fire was so intense it incinerated the interior of the sleeper cab and left it completely inoperable.

As a result, Valles sustained severe burns to his face and arms, which resulted in permanent disfigurement.

The complaint alleges the Ozark Trail camping stove, designed and manufactured by Walmart and China Window, contained defects Walmart knew about through consumer reviews and dozens of reported fires and injuries, yet the company continued to market and sell the product.

Valles indicates that the camping stoves lacked a heat shield or thermal barrier between the burner and the butane canister compartment. Additionally, Valles claims the canister compartment was too close to the burner, allowing excessive heat to transfer to the canister, causing fire hazards.

The Coleman fuel canisters were equipped with a countersink release vent safety feature, but when improperly installed the fuel can leak, causing fires and explosions.

“Walmart and/or China Window knew or should have known that the Stove had a dangerous propensity to overheat the butane canister and/or leak fuel when the Butane Fuel Canister is not properly installed causing explosive release of fuel and resulting fires and burn injuries. The design should have incorporated features that prevented incorrect installation and/or properly and adequately warned about the nature and extent of hazards/injuries that could be caused by foreseeable installation.”

— Sergio Valles v. Walmart Inc. et al

The complaint raises allegations of strict product liability and negligence. It is seeking compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, damages to Valles’ truck, and lost wages.

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