Massachusetts Snuffs Novelty Lighters

Boston, MA, United States (AHN) – The Bay State has banned novelty lighters to prevent fires being started by children attracted to what they think are toys.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick signed legislation without much fanfare last month making toy-like lighters illegal. The ban takes effect in November and exempts collectibles manufactured before 1980 and disposable lighters with artwork.

The measure was authored by state Rep. Geraldo Alicea, who filed the bill upon the urging of local firemen concerned with juvenile firesetting.

According to the state fire services, children caused 158 fires last year that caused nearly $900,000 in losses. In 2008, fires in Holyoke and Haverhill killed a disabled adult and three children younger than seven years.

“When adults cannot tell the difference between these lighters and toys, how can we expect a young child to do so?” state Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said in a statement.

Massachusetts is the 14th state to ban the use of fancy novelty lighters.

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