Vancouver bans sale of some butane lighters
The City of Vancouver has decided to prohibit the sale of continuous flame butane lighters and introduced a hefty fine for anyone who violates the new bylaw.
Beginning June 28, retailers will be banned from selling lockable butane lighters. Violators will be subject to a $1,000 fine, according to the city.
The decision comes following a report from city staff and Vancouver Fire Services that attributed the lighters to an increase in fires, causing injuries, death and structure damage.
“These lighters are the biggest risk to our residents right now in our city,” said Fire Chief Karen Fry.
Fry said since 2023, Vancouver Fire has been called to more than 3,300 fires, 200 of which have occurred in the last few months. She said 79 people have been injured, and there have been six deaths.
“We had a young student who was burned and succumbed to their injuries," she said.
One of the reasons for the increase is the change in how people use drugs, according to Fry. Data from the BC Coroners Service found smoking is now the most common way that people in the province consume drugs. Many overdose prevention sites are set up to allow the injection of drugs, not smoking or inhaling.
“We need to come up with a better solution for them to use their drugs in a safe way, because this current way of using with inhalation with a continuous flame is causing way too many deaths and injuries and a loss of housing stock,” said Fry.
Fry said the majority of fires occur in SROs in the Downtown Eastside.
A letter from the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users argues that prohibiting these lighters won't make SROs safer and won't in and of itself do much of anything to protect vulnerable people from fires causing serious injury, death or displacement.
VANDU President Lorna Bird said she supported the ban, as long as it’s focused on businesses who sell the lighters, and doesn’t target individuals.
“I do know a guy from here who burned down his place with one of those,” she said. “He’s been homeless for about a year because of it. I guess he fell asleep and the thing kept burning and it burned down his place.”
According to a news release published by the city Wednesday, Vancouver Fire will continue to work with SRO building operators and staff to educate residents on the risks of open flames and support fire safety training.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6972157.1721587842!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Joe Biden drops out of 2024 race, endorses Kamala Harris to be Democratic nominee
U.S. President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 race for the White House on Sunday, ending his bid for re-election after doubts were raised about his fitness for office. Soon after, he endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris to take his place in the November election.
Justin Trudeau reacts to Joe Biden announcing he won't run for re-election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to the news that U.S. President Joe Biden won’t run for re-election Sunday, calling Biden a 'true friend.'
Joe Biden wants to pass the baton to Kamala Harris. Here's how that might work
With U.S. President Joe Biden ending his re-election bid and endorsing Vice-President Kamala Harris, Democrats now must navigate a shift that is unprecedented this late in an election year.
The pilot who died in crash after releasing skydivers near Niagara Falls has been identified
NEW YORK (AP) — Officials on Sunday released the name of a pilot who died in a skydiving flight after her passengers jumped from the aircraft near the Niagara Falls.
Woman found dead in the water near Sunset Beach: Vancouver police
Investigators were at Vancouver’s Sunset Beach after a woman’s body was found in the water Sunday morning, according to authorities.
Ottawa man waiting nearly a year for car to be fixed at Acura dealership
An Ottawa man says he’s been waiting nearly a year for his car to be repaired after it was damaged during a storm in August.
Canadian musicians struggle to get visas to perform in the U.S., some cancel shows
Backlogs and processing delays of temporary U.S. visas required by entertainers, athletes and artists has forced some Canadian bands to cancel U.S. tour dates because paperwork wasn't processed in time.
Joy in Newfoundland after 'Lucky 7' fishers survive harrowing days lost at sea
There was a powerful word being repeated in the joyful Newfoundland community of New-Wes-Valley on Sunday: 'Miracle.'
A Florida woman was killed 24 years ago. DNA evidence just helped police make an arrest in the cold case
A Florida woman’s brutal killing nearly 25 years ago may finally be solved after authorities arrested the suspect this week, according to the Sanford Police Department.