Firefighters in Vancouver say they’re launching a crackdown on the sale of lockable butane torches.
The City of Vancouver banned the sale of lockable butane lighters and torches last summer, after Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) linked them to at least 80 fire-related injuries and six deaths.
But VFRS says the number of fires sparked by the devices hasn’t fallen since the bylaw was implemented.
In late June, they blitzed retailers in Vancouver and found nearly half of the 168 vendors they inspected (83) were still selling the lockable torches. Two were issued tickets, while the rest were warned.
“The team delivered strong messaging,” Asst. Chief Justin Mulcahy said in a media release.
“They issued warnings and gathered evidence for future site visits, during which municipal tickets ($1000) will be issued in instances of non-compliance.”
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According to VFRS, 38 fires were attributed to lockable torches in 2024, while 24 were linked to the devices in the first half of 2025.
It estimates torch-related fires since the start of 2024 are responsible for $7 million in damage, along with 23 injuries and one fatality.
VFRS is also calling for provincial and federal changes to restrict the import, distribution and sale of lockable torches.
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