VANCOUVER Fire Rescue Services is stepping up enforcement of a by-law that was passed in April 2024, which prohibits the sale of continuous flame butane torches to reduce the harms these devices were causing to people, damage to structures and the number of fires.

Unfortunately, since the by-law change, there continues to be the same number of fires started from these devices, including two recent fires injuring building occupants and displacing dozens of others, says VFRS.

On June 26, members from Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Community Safety Division, made up of Public Educators and Fire Prevention Inspectors, inspected 168 licensed retail vendors around the city.

“The team delivered strong messaging,” says Assistant Chief Justin Mulcahy. “They issued warnings and gathered evidence for future site visits, during which municipal tickets ($1000) will be issued in instances of non-compliance.”

Of the 168 retail vendors that were visited, 83 of the locations were found to be selling the lockable butane torches currently under the retail sale ban. The use of continuous locking torches remains a high-risk activity for all people using the device because of the ability to focus, and lock, a pressurized high temperature continuous flame onto combustibles.

Information was also provided to vendors across the city to inform them of the changes and prohibition of these devices, including the risk to the community.

“Vancouver Fire Rescue Services will continue to educate, inspect and enforce this by-law in the City,” says Fire Chief Karen Fry. “But more help is needed from the Provincial and Federal Government regarding the importing, distribution and sale of the devices. People are being injured, housing is being compromised, and businesses are feeling the effects of fires and sprinkler activations.”

Quick Facts 

• In 2024, continuous flame torches were confirmed to have started 38 fires in Vancouver. From January 1 to June 12, 2025, there were at least 24 fires caused by these devices.

• An estimated $7 million in property damage have been caused by torches since January 2024, including 23 injuries and 1 death.

• 168 retail stores were visited; 83 were found to be selling the lockable torches covered under the retail sales ban. Two Municipal Tickets (MTIs) were issued at $1,000 each.