The present invention relates to a utility lighter (10) including a housing (12) having a handle (14) at one end (16) and a nozzle (18) at another end (20) and including a fuel supply (22) connected for selective fluid communication with the nozzle (18). An ignitor assembly, such as a piezoelectric mechanism (34), is operatively connected to the housing (12) for generating a spark proximate the nozzle (18) and an actuating assembly (38, 80, 46) is connected to the housing (12) proximate the handle and operates to both dispense fuel from the fuel supply (22) and to activate the ignitor assembly (34). A linking mechanism (120, 134, 140) is provided in order to initiate the flow of fuel from the fuel supply prior to generation of a spark such that a spark is generated when fuel is present at the nozzle (18). A locating mechanism (150, 152, 162, 164) is provided proximate the valve (28) of the fuel container (22) in order to properly position the fuel container (22) within the housing (12). In addition, an isolator cap (170) is disposed around the nozzle (18) to assist in directing the spark in the vicinity of the nozzle (18).