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Gun-shape and other novelty cigarette lighters made before 1970, like this Alfred Dunhill tinder pistol example, patented 1897, will not be affected by the pending law in Massachusetts. This lighter sold for $700 plus b.p. at New Orleans Auction Galleries' Nov. 20, 2005 sale. Image courtesy LiveAuctioneers.com Archive and NOAG.

Massachusetts bans novelty cigarette lighters

Catherine Saunders-Watson
Catherine Saunders-Watson
Gun-shape and other novelty cigarette lighters made before 1970, like this Alfred Dunhill tinder pistol example, patented 1897, will not be affected by the pending law in Massachusetts. This lighter sold for $700 plus b.p. at New Orleans Auction Galleries' Nov. 20, 2005 sale. Image courtesy LiveAuctioneers.com Archive and NOAG.
Gun-shape and other novelty cigarette lighters made before 1970, like this Alfred Dunhill tinder pistol example, patented 1897, will not be affected by the pending law in Massachusetts. This lighter sold for $700 plus b.p. at New Orleans Auction Galleries’ Nov. 20, 2005 sale. Image courtesy LiveAuctioneers.com Archive and NOAG.

BOSTON (AP) – Massachusetts has banned cigarette lighters that look like guns, pens, lobster claws and other objects in an effort to cut down on accidental fires started by children.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said the lighters are attractive to children because they look like toys.

Officials say children using matches and lighters sparked 158 fires in Massachusetts last year, causing nearly $1 million in damages. Fires set by children killed four people in 2008.

The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Geraldo Alicea. The Charlton Democrat tells The Boston Globe he was urged by fire chiefs in his district to raise the issue.

The law takes effect in November, and includes exemptions for collectible lighters made before 1980.

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe

Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

AP-ES-08-30-10 0812EDT