"I just saw it, thought it looked kind of like a vape..."

TORRANCE—In a bizarre incident that highlights both the dangers of ignorance and the lengths to which some will go to maintain their vaping habits, a Subaru owner recently suffered fourth-degree burns after mistaking a car cigarette lighter for a vape. The owner, unfamiliar with what a cigarette lighter was, saw a stick with smoke and assumed it was a vape.

"I had no idea what it was," said the injured owner, who preferred to remain anonymous. "I just saw it, thought it looked kind of like a vape, and decided to give it a try. Next thing I know, I'm in excruciating pain and my hand is severely burned."

This incident underscores the impact of recent crackdowns on flavored vapes, which have pushed enthusiasts to increasingly desperate measures to satisfy their cravings. Subaru owners, in particular, have been noted for their desperate attempts to continue smelling like cotton candy.

Dr. Lisa Carter, a local emergency room physician, commented on the rise in such incidents: "We’ve seen a significant increase in injuries related to improper use of various devices as people try to find alternatives to their favorite flavored vapes. This case is certainly one of the more extreme examples, but it's part of a broader trend."

Automotive expert Tom Harrison added his perspective on the confusion: "Car cigarette lighters are becoming less common in newer models, so many younger drivers have never encountered one. It's not surprising that someone who’s never seen one before might mistake it for something else, especially if their Subaru vape kids."

The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignorance and the unforeseen consequences of regulatory actions. As the injured Subaru owner recovers, they have a message for others: "Don't make the same mistake I did. If you're not sure what something is, don’t put it in your mouth. No matter how small it is."