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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has an interactive web resource that provides the status of state and federal legislation that limits or prohibits the sale of novelty and toylike lighters. The resource, which includes a clickable map, is available at www.usfa.dhs.gov/noveltylighters. The USFA, National Volunteer Fire Council, and other national organizations support initiatives to ban the sale and distribution of these dangerous lighters.

 

Toylike or novelty lighters have been responsible for injuries, deaths, and accidents across the nation. 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. Many local and state governments are taking action by banning their sale and limiting distribution.

 

On August 4, Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Glen Gaines released a statement expressing the USFA’s support of a ban on the sale and distribution of novelty and toylike lighters. "I encourage every member of the fire service to support the local, state, and Federal initiatives to ban the sale and distribution of novelty and toylike lighters,” he said. “Please stay vigilant and keep the fire service community informed of developments in your area. Only by working together can we save lives."

 

View the full message from Gaines at www.usfa.dhs.gov/about/chiefs-corner/080409.shtm. Find out the status of novelty lighter legislation in your state at www.usfa.dhs.gov/noveltylighters.