According to Lohr, children under the age of 5 account for more than 5,000 residential fires each year, resulting in more than 150 deaths. "Clearly, we're trying to keep these lighters out of the hands of children," he said. "I think this legislation is the best way to accomplish that goal."
The lighters in question are typically [image-nocss] brightly colored and come in all shapes and sizes-from a fat, pink pig that shoots flames from its nostrils, to a miniature cell phone that ignites from the antenna. These lighters are generally found displayed on the counters at gas stations and convenience stores.
Maine and Tennessee have already passed legislation that bans sale of these lighters, and Oregon has restricted their sale in certain areas, said the report.
The National Association of State Fire Marshals, an organization that seeks to improve public knowledge on fire safety issues, has unsuccessfully sought federal legislation to ban the lighters.
Lohr's bill is less extreme, the report said.
"If you're 18, you'd still be able to show your I.D. and buy the lighters," Lohr said. "It'd be just like buying a pack of cigarettes."
The law would impose a $100 fine on clerks who sell the lighters to minors and potentially bigger fees on the owners of the stations and c-stores.
Lohr said the law would not prevent parents from buying the lighters and either giving them to their children or leaving them around the house, "but we feel this is a step in the right direction."
Meanwhile, in Arkansas, legislation that would ban the sale of these novelty lighters was filed earlier this week, said the Arkansas News Bureau. Under Senate Bill 154 by State Senator Sharon Trusty (R), the fine for selling such novelty lighters would be between $25 and $500.
The bill was filed in response to the 2007 deaths of two young Russellville, Ark., boys who were killed in an apartment fire caused by a motorcycle-shaped lighter one of the brothers was playing with, Trusty said. "I had some local fire chiefs approach me about sponsoring the bill," Trusty said.
She said State Representative George Overby (D) also worked on the measure.
Several Arkansas cities, including North Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Rogers, have already banned the items, the report said.
Trusty's bill would ban sales of lighters that would be appealing to children, including cartoon characters, vehicles, animals or toys.
State Rep. Andrea Lea (R), who spoke for the legislation during her campaign last year, said she has net yet seen the bill. "I will look at it," she said. "If it's what I see as being protective but not harming small business, then yes, I will definitely be supportive. I don't want it to be anti-business, but we've got to have safety in mind."
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