Abstract: An ultra-thin cigarette lighter is disclosed. It operates by acting on a push button which opens a valve to release gas from a tank and activate a sparking means for igniting the released gas. The lighter has a "self-retrieving" safety mechanism which is simple and easy for an adult to operate and which can reliably prevent unintentional operation of the lighter, such as by a child. The safety mechanism has an elongated resilient bar provided at one end with an operating member located within a slot in the lighter push button. The safety mechanism has a normal position in which the safety device prevents operation of the push button and an operating position, to which the safety device can be moved by an operating member, in which the push button can be operated. Upon operation, the safety device automatically returns to its normal position.