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Chilliwack following Vancouver's lead in banning 'lockable' lighters

Council decided to ban these torch-like butane lighters in Chilliwack for fire safety reasons
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Some examples of butane lighters with continuous/lockable flame options.

City council voted last week to prohibit the sale of "continuous flame" lockable butane lighters in Chilliwack to reduce the risk of fires.

Chilliwack is effectively following the lead set last year by City of Vancouver in the wake of thousands of fires, injuries and fatalities.

The affirmative vote at the Jan. 28 council meeting, after the recommendation to prohibit these devices came from the city's public safety advisory committee.

The lighters, fuelled by butane, can be locked to produce a continuous flame, like a small torch.

"Discussion took place on the dangers of continuous flame butane lighters amongst vulnerable populations, and recent measures taken by the City of Vancouver to reduce potential fire risks," according to the PSAC meeting minutes.

City of Vancouver enacted their bylaw in 2024, which now comes with a $1,000 fine.

The lockable lighters were banned after data showed that 3,120 fires could be attributed to the careless use of these butane lighters in Vancouver between January 2023 and April 2024, according to data submitted to the Provincial Office of the Fire Commissioner.

Of those more than 3,100 fires, approximately 360 of them were reported in single-residence occupancy buildings, and the lighters were recorded as probable cause of approximately 79 fire-related injuries and six fire fatalities.

Fire Prevention BC officials are studying a proposal to ban continuous flow lockable butane lighters throughout B.C., while the the Fire Prevention Association is looking into an industry guide for Canadian requirements for the lighters.

In Chilliwack the discussion ensued at the committee level, and then culminated in the consensus to ask council to create a bylaw that would ban the retail sale of continuous flame lighters in Chilliwack.

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Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering city hall, Indigenous, business, and climate change stories.
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