A cigarette lighter is provided which comprises a tank for a combustible gas under pressure; a valve which is normally closed so preventing exit of the gas from the tank, but which can be opened to allow gas to escape from the tank through a nozzle; a valve actuator which when operated engages and opens the valve; means to produce a spark in the vicinity of the nozzle thereby causing ignition of gas escaping from the tank when the valve is engaged and opened by the valve actuator; a safety device which normally disengages the valve actuator from the valve but which can be selectively operated to move the valve actuator to engage and open the valve.