SF considers ban on lockable butane torches often used by drug users

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Growing concerns about fire dangers linked to lockable butane torches are prompting San Francisco officials to consider banning the sale of the devices, which fire officials say have been connected to fires, injuries, and at least one death.

The proposed legislation, being developed by Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, would prohibit stores from selling inexpensive plastic lockable butane torches that fire officials say are commonly used for a continuous flame. The effort follows concerns raised by the San Francisco Fire Department, which says the devices have become increasingly common since 2020.

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While reporting in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, ABC7 observed numerous residents carrying the torches. One resident, Derrick Joyce, displayed multiple devices and said, "I'll get my big one out and show you..." Later, he showed another lockable torch and described its mechanism, saying, "Yeah, so this is a lock right here, so when you light the torch, basically we have to jump-start this one. You can lock it, well, on this one the lock is broken, the lock is broken on this one."

Fire officials say the torches gained popularity because they produce a hotter, more powerful flame than traditional lighters. Tenderloin resident Dylan Mesirow explained why he uses them, "Ah, to light up and heat up stuff, like on bongs and stuff like that. That's usually what everybody does. They're quick, yeah, they get hotter than regular lighters."

Mesirow also demonstrated a larger torch attached to a propane canister and said, "We even got things like this right here. We use big torches. So you know what I'm saying? Get that jumped started, you don't have to worry about a lick; it stays on." Asked whether he used the device, Mesirow replied, "Oh yeah, for sure, when we're out here in the streets and try to stay warm, hell yeah."

The San Francisco Fire Department says 21 fire incidents last year were related to the misuse of lighters. Chief Dean Crispen said, "And just this year we've had three locked butane lighter fires specifically and one resulted in the death of a community member."

According to the department, butane torch-related fires have caused an estimated $3.2 million in property losses over the past five years. Crispen said the locking mechanism presents a particular danger.

"Drug users in many cases want to have that continuous flame to continue to light their pipe and the problem that we have is that the locking butane mechanism, once you turn it on, if you fall asleep or pass out, it remains on and it can light other items on fire and immediate area and then potentially the entire building," Crispen said.

Joyce agreed with those concerns, saying, "What starts a fire, when you lock it and you pass out or you drop it."

Residents also described burn injuries associated with the devices. Michael Arnold said, "Yes, up their nose. I know on my marijuana pipe before I did it and it came through my pipe and it did burn my throat, so they are really high...yeah they can hurt you."

Another man showed burn marks he attributed to a lockable butane lighter. When asked if the injuries were caused by one, he responded, "Yeah."

Kimberly Saunders said she was severely injured while using a lockable torch.

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"The torch wouldn't turn off and then next thing I know my friend was dragging me out the room. My hand was on fire, my leg was on fire, my bed was on fire," Saunders said.

According to the report, Saunders lost a finger and doctors may have to amputate another.

The report also noted that Vancouver banned the lighters in 2024 after six people died and 79 others were injured between January 2023 and April 2024. It said no U.S. city has banned their use.

Mandelman said city officials have spent more than a year working with fire officials and stakeholders to craft legislation that targets the plastic lockable devices while preserving legitimate uses.

"We've spent more than a year consulting with them and talking to the restaurant industry and try to figure out a way to craft legislation that would allow for the legitimate uses of butane lighters and there are legitimate uses, while at least reduce or make it harder to get these plastic locked butane lighters that seem to be part of the problem," Mandelman said.

Restaurant industry representatives said commercial kitchens use higher-end torches for purposes such as preparing crème brlée and that the proposed ban is not intended to affect those products.

"A good example would be for Creme Brulee to crisp it up and so it is used in commercial kitchens, that type of technology and Supervisor Mandelman's team reached out and said we're not intending to cause harm, can you work with us on it?" said Laurie Thomas of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.

If approved, the legislation would impose a $500 fine on stores caught selling the prohibited devices, with subsequent violations carrying a $1,000 penalty.