Matches And Lighters Fires, burns and property damage associated with children playing with matches are common events in the United States and a number of programs and procedures have been developed to try to control this problem. In the past few years, a new source of ignition has become very common - the cigarette lighter. With the increase in the use of lighters rather than matches, there follows an increase in lighter-related fires and burns associated with misuse by children. There also seems to be an alteration in the age distribution. Several reports now have implicated children as young as 18-20 months old.
Children have a natural curiosity about fire.
It has a magical appeal, which captures their attention. They see adults start the barbecue or light a cigarette. Since they mimic adults in many ways, they want to mimic fire starting behavior as well. Children's curiosity about fire should not be discouraged, but channeled into appropriate behavior. Children are at high risk for burn injuries largely due to their own experimentation with matches and fire.