Toylike/Novelty Lighters

The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) supports banning the sale of novelty/toylike lighters. Here are resources to help NASFM members and others to address this problem. Check back for new information!

• NASFM Model State Bill - An Act to Prohibit the Retail Sale and Distribution of Novelty/Toylike Lighters
• Resolution by the NASFM Membership in Support of Banning the Sale and Use of Novelty Lighters, July 2007

Educational Information

• Background on the issue of children and toylike/novelty lighters
• Artwork and text of a handout on the problem of novelty/toylike lighters

Laws in the State:

• Maine
• Tennessee

Activity in the 110th US Congress:

• Rep. Darlene Hooley of Oregon introduced HR 6488, to direct the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate a final consumer product safety rule banning novelty lighters. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon is circulation a draft bill, "Protect Children from Dangerous Lighters Act of 2008", that would declare novelty lighters a banned hazardous substance under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, which is administered by the CPSC

Links to Other Information on Toylike/Novelty Lighters:

• Oregon State Fire Marshals Office's website: http://www.oregon.gov/OPS/SFM/Novelty_Toylike_Lighters.shtml
• U.S. Fire Administration website: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/subjects/arson/arson_awareness.shtm
• Idea Bank Campaign, "No Novelty Lighters" website: http://www.ideabank.com/psa/NoveltyLighters.html

NASFM Staff Contact: Karen Suhr ( Kfernico@aol.com or 202-737-1226)