(L to R) El Cajon Fire's Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Chasin, Burn Institute Executive Director James Floros and El Cajon Fire Chief Mike Scott. Mr. Floros is holding an example of a novelty lighter in the shape of Gumby.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Monica Zech, Public Information Officer
(619) 441-1737 -- desk, (619) 843-7218 -- cell

Juvenile firesetting has been identified as the fastest growing fire threat in the United States with more than 300 people killed, 30 percent being children, and almost $1 billion in property destroyed. Novelty lighters have features that are attractive to children, including visual effects, flashing lights, musical sounds, and toy-like designs.

At the July 24th City Council meeting the Council approved a new ordinance banning the sale of novelty lighters in the City of El Cajon.

El Cajon is only the second city in the county and the third city in the nation to enact an ordinance prohibiting the sales and distribution of novelty lighters. Following another reading of the ordinance at the August 14 City Council meeting, the new ordinance will go into effect September 13th.

(Update - on 8/14/07 the ordinance was read again and passed going into effect September 13th! If you see a store in El Cajon with novelty lighters, usually at the checkout counter, please call us at 619-441-1618)

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has recalled thousands of novelty lighters since 1996 due to their danger to public safety. Many public safety agencies support the prohibition of the sale and distribution of novelty lighters, including the Burn Institute and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs Association.

The Burn Institute's Executive Director James Floros, El Cajon Fire Chief Mike Scott and Deputy Fire Marshal Mike Chasin were instrumental in bringing this important ordinance to the City Council for adoption.