Seized illegal lighters spark call for vigilance

18 January 2012

The public are being warned to be on the look out for novelty lighters which may look like toys to young children.

These items have been banned since 2007 and yet they are still being sold by some retailers - Kent Trading Standards seized over 300 illegal lighters in one month alone last year. These lighters were banned across the European Union in an effort to reduce the number of fires caused by children playing with lighters and the number of injuries and deaths which this caused.

The lighters could appeal to children as they are brightly coloured and can look like anything from a toy gun to imitation bullets, skittles or cigarettes. As they do not meet the proper safety standards, they can be easily ignited by a small child leading to serious injury and household fires.

KCC Trading Standards Area Manager Mark Rolfe said: “It would be very easy for a child to be attracted to these lighters and to play with them, sparking a flame and the results can be devastating. We are asking for people to help report these items by calling us on 0808 1562256.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Community Safety Manager Stuart Skilton said: “It’s only natural for children to play, but sometimes this gets out of hand and results in fires. The best advice is to keep lighters and matches out of the reach of children.”