A selectively actuatable lighter device is disclosed which includes a body defining reservoir for containing a combustible gaseous medium such as butane, and having a valve arranged to be selectively actuated between a normally closed position and an open position which permits the exit of the gaseous medium. Such lighter can selectively produce sparks at a location proximate to the gaseous medium exit to ignite the gaseous medium. Such lighter device embodies a resiliently releasable latch which normally prevents actuation of a valve actuator to the open position thereby preventing actuation of the valve. The latch is selectively movable to a position out of interference with the valve actuator, so that the gaseous medium may be released and ignited by the sparks. The latch is resiliently structured and mounted such that once a flame is produced and the valve actuator is released, the latch returns to its closed or latched position to prevent actuation of the valve to the open position by prevention of the pivotal motion of the valve actuator. To "re-use" the lighter, the latch must again be moved to an unlatched position so that the valve actuator can be opened for subsequent ignition of the gaseous medium.