At Okinazaka slope in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, it is said that Sunamaki-itachi (sand-throwing mink) not only throws sand at people but also deprives them of candle flames and is considered to be the true identity of the hitorima (fire-taking demon).
新潟県三条市の翁坂では砂撒きイタチといって、砂をかける以外に人の蝋燭の火を奪うといい、火取り魔の正体であるともいう。