State lawmakers are considering banning the sale of novelty lighters.State Fire Marshal Wayne goodwin is leading the charge to get toy-like lighters off store shelves.

The cigarette lighters are shaped like toy cell phones, cartoon characters, even a knock-off of that famous fish Nemo.

Goodwin is concerned children will burn themselves with the lighters found in convenience stores, tobacco shops, hardware stores, even some dollar stores.

“Folks may say, what’s the big deal? They are novelty lighters. Well they are toy lighters. We’ve demonstrated time and again these lighters can cause serious injuries,” said Goodwin.

Senator Austin Allran, (R – Catawba County) sponsored the bill in the Senate which passed 46-to-2.

Senator David Hoyle, (D -Gaston County) questioned if we need a ban. He said adults need to take responsibility.

Now the House is considering the measure.

North Carolina could soon join at least four other states; Maine, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oregon in prohibiting the sale of the novelty lighters.

Last month, Goodwin said a child playing with a novelty lighter started a fire at a Jamestown, NC convenience store.

“Thankfully no one was hurt, but I’m concerned that if this bill is not made law, someone will get hurt next time,” said Goodwin.

The United States Fiore Adminstration reports more than 30 percent of the fires that kill children are set by children playing with lighters or matches.