Maine bans novelty lighters

On March 24, Maine became the first state to enact legislation banning the sale or distribution of toy or novelty lighters. The legislation, introduced by State Representative Richard Sykes, describes novelty lighters as, “lighters that are designed to appear to be a toy, feature a flashing light or make musical sounds.” Persons found in violation of the new law face a fine of up to $500.

NVFC supports campaign

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has supported restricting novelty lighter sales since 2006. Last year, NVFC Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg sent a letter to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Nancy Nord requesting that the CPSC prohibit the importation, sale, and distribution of novelty lighters in the United States.

Novelty lighters and known fatalities

Because novelty lighters look like toys, children are tempted to play with them even if they have been taught that handling lighters is dangerous. Fatal fires caused by novelty lighters have been documented in several states, including last September when two young boys in Arkansas died in a fire they accidentally set to their apartment with a motorcycle-shaped lighter. Since the fatal fire, at least 21 municipalities in Arkansas have passed ordinances banning the sale of novelty lighters. Municipal and county governments in California, Colorado, and Washington have also passed bans on novelty lighter sales.

On March 11, Michigan State Senator Gretchen Whitmer introduced legislation banning the sale of novelty lighters after hearing a news story about a woman who purchased a toy Dalmatian for her daughter only to discover that the “toy” was actually a cigarette lighter. Several other states have also considered legislation to ban novelty lighter sales.

2008 Arson Awareness Week

The theme for the 2008 Arson Awareness Week campaign is “Toylike Lighters – Playing with Fire.” Arson Awareness Week is May 4-10. The NVFC has partnered with the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the Office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal, Fire Safe Children & Families Program, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and the Idea Bank to promote Arson Awareness Week and bring attention to the dangers of novelty lighters. More information will be available as of April 1 on the USFA web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov.

Source: NVFC E-update newsletter