Fireball danger from giant cigarette lighters

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Oversized cigarette lighters that can explode into fireballs without warning have sparked a safety message from Surrey County Council Trading Standards.

Almost 200 of the giant lighters have been seized from shops and market stalls in Surrey alone, with the majority of them failing safety tests. They have also been found on sale elsewhere in the UK.

The safety tests revealed the flames commonly fail to extinguish and remain burning invisibly below the wind shield. This has led to the plastic parts catching fire and the fuel containers melting, which releases flammable gas and can result in a fireball.

Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Clearly these oversized lighters can cause serious injury so I would urge people not to use them. They could explode in someone’s face or hand, or if left alone may even cause a fire at home or work. The potential consequences are devastating.

“If you spot these lighters for sale anywhere, please report them to Consumer Direct*. I would also urge traders who may not have been aware of the danger to stop selling them.”

The lighters are often more than six inches in height. Brands that have failed safety tests include Signature, Jumbo Lighter, Viafosa, Giant Lighter and Hailu Giant Lighter. However, some have no labelling, markings or packaging.

ENDS

For more information, contact Surrey County Council senior media relations officer James Oxley email james.oxley@surreycc.gov.uk

Notes to editors

The giant lighters were found for sale at:

• Sunbury
• Epsom
• Addlestone
• Kempton market
• Chertsey
• Egham
• Redhill market
• Leatherhead

* People can report giant lighters for sale to Consumer Direct on 01622 626520.