Supervisor Proposed Ban on Lockable Butane Lighters
The legislation targets devices that remain lit when unattended, which have been linked to over 30 fires.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Property Crime
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Should the city ban the sale of lockable butane lighters to reduce fire risks?
San Francisco residents could soon see a ban on the sale of lockable butane lighters under new legislation. Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced the proposal to address a rise in accidental fires linked to drug use.
Why it matters
Local officials report that users frequently fall asleep while using these lighters to smoke fentanyl, causing a spike in property damage. This measure follows previous efforts to regulate smoke shop operations in the Tenderloin and SoMa.
The Fire Department recorded 21 butane-related fires in 2025, contributing to $3.2 million in total property damage over the last six years. Violators would face $500 fines for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations within one year.
The players
Rafael Mandelman
The District 8 Supervisor who introduced the legislation to ban the sale of lockable butane lighters.
London Breed
The Mayor of San Francisco who implemented a midnight curfew for smoke shops in the Tenderloin in 2024.
Matt Dorsey
The District 6 Supervisor who extended the smoke shop curfew to SoMa in 2026.
The details
The proposed ban restricts the sale of lighters that stay lit without a finger on the trigger, a feature authorities say leads to fires when users fall asleep. The legislation specifically excludes commercial kitchen equipment to protect local restaurant operations. If approved, residents would still be permitted to purchase these devices through online retailers.
Timeline
2024: Mayor Breed imposed a midnight curfew on smoke shops.
2025: There were 21 recorded butane-related fires.
2026: Supervisor Matt Dorsey extended the smoke shop curfew to SoMa.
Tuesday: Supervisor Mandelman plans to propose the legislation.
Across the Bay
The proposed lighter ban follows the precedent set by the city's midnight smoke shop curfew, which was first applied to the Tenderloin and then expanded to SoMa. This legislative effort represents a continuation of the city's strategy to address street conditions through targeted retail regulations.
If the ban passes, shop owners will need to stop selling lockable lighters to avoid fines of $500 or $1,000. Residents will still be able to order these specific lighters online even if they are no longer sold at local storefronts.
The takeaway
The proposed legislation targets specific hardware identified as a fire hazard rather than the broader retail market. Residents should watch the Board of Supervisors' hearing schedule to see when the measure will be debated.
Further reading
You can track ongoing public safety initiatives and related regulatory efforts on the San Francisco Property Crime section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Live Poll
Should the city ban the sale of lockable butane lighters to reduce fire risks?
