Should NH prohibit the possession of flame throwers?

On February 4th, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to consider HB 1600, a bill that would prohibit the possession of flame throwing devices except by on-duty official personnel using the device to suppress or control a fire. Similar legislation has been passed in Maryland and California.

The legislation defines ‘flame throwers’ as portable devices designed to emit a stream of flame for a distance of at least 10 feet. Possessing a prohibited flame throwing device would constitute a class B misdemeanor.

Supporters of a ban hold that flame throwers are potentially very dangerous devices, posing risk of both wild fire and bodily harm. They argue that smaller torches or other devices can more safely fulfill the same household functions as flame throwers.

Opponents of the law argue that flame throwers are useful devices with a range of legitimate applications, from controlling weeds or destroying insect hives to clearing brush or starting bonfires. They point out that many common household items, from chainsaws to hammers, can also be dangerous if used irresponsibly and question why flame throwers should be treated differently.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.