Novelty Lighters: Playing With Fire

Each year toylike or novelty lighters are responsible for numerous injuries and deaths across our nation. Children are attracted to these lighters because they look like toys. Many are made to look like animals, miniature cars, mobile phones, cameras, fishing lures, stacks of coins, markers and doll accessories.

The facts are alarming...

The National Fire Protection Association estimated that in 2002, an estimated 13,900 child-playing structure fires were reported in the U.S., with associated losses of 210 civilian deaths, 1,250 civilian injuries, and $339 million in direct damage.

What is a Novelty or Toylike Lighter?

Novelty lighters are defined as "lighters that have features that make them attractive to children under five," including "lighters with features entertaining to children, such as visual effects like flashing lights, or sound effects like musical notes."

The Consumer Product Safety Commission adopted a safety standard in 1994 requiring disposable cigarette lighters be manufactured to child resistant standards. This safety standard has been highly effective in reducing child fatalities nationwide. The standard also defined novelty lighters, although it did not prohibit the sale and distribution of lighters that look like toys.

Injuries and Worse...

• On September 25, 2007, 15-month-old Peyton Edwards and 2-year-old Breydon Edwards of Russellville, Arkansas, died after setting fire to their apartment with a motorcycle-shaped lighter.
• In June 2007, 6-year-old Shane St. Pierre picked up a miniature baseball bat in a grocery store, thinking it might be a flashlight light, and flicked the switch. A flame shot out, singeing his brow and burning part of his face.
• A 6-year-old boy in North Carolina sustained second-degree burns after playing with a lighter that looked like a toy cell phone.
• In Maryland, playground equipment was set on fire by three 5-year-old girls using a gun shaped lighter.

What can be done?

Some California jurisdictions, including El Cajon, Highland, National City, Redlands, Solana Beach and Vista have taken action by banning the sale of toylike and novelty lighters and limiting their distribution.

Maine has led the way with a statewide ban.

More than awaiting legislation...

There is an urgent need to survey your home and places where your children - or those you care for, play and stay. Make sure that all matches and lighters are always carefully secured and only accessible to adults, and that toylike and novelty lighters are removed from the premises.

You can save lives by practicing fire safety. To learn more, visit:

www.usfa.dhs.gov


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department