Sandy bans novelty lighters

By Associated Press Published: Oct 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM PST Last Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 3:23 AM PST
Sandy bans novelty lighters
Lighter that resembles a toy frog.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Sandy councilors this week made their city the first in Oregon to ban the sale of novelty lighters.

Some of the lighters are designed to look like animals, trucks and toys. Firefighters and others warn that children are drawn to them and could start fires.

The Oregon State Fire Marshals Office plans to introduce legislation in 2009 aimed at banning their sale in the state. Maine and Tennessee have already issued statewide bans, and the European Union banned the sale of toy-like lighters last year.
     
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