Do not use sky lanterns on July 4

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sky lantern
Sky lantern release in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Photo by Takeaway.

In the United States July 4 is a holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. For many people it involves fireworks which can be beautiful when conducted by professionals at an organized event, but can be dangerous in the hands of those buying them at tents set up on the side if the road, causing injuries and starting fires.

An especially hazardous device that can be classified as fireworks are sky lanterns. The Jefferson City, Missouri Times Tribune has an editorial, warning about the dangers of fireworks. Below is an excerpt:

…Sky lanterns are another concern. Like other fireworks, they’re illegal to release inside the city limits. However, that hasn’t stopped some people from using the pretty-but-potentially-dangerous items.

Once a sky lantern is lit, the hot air lifts it into the air.

The flaming lantern can travel more than a mile from its starting point.

Wind can affect the sky lantern, blowing the sides, forcing the hot air out and sending it back to the ground, while still burning. A flaming lantern can drop onto a rooftop, field, trees or power lines before the flame is fully extinguished. A destructive fire can result when a flaming lantern reaches the ground during dry conditions.

Obviously, sky lanterns are potential fire hazards beyond other fireworks.

We urge you to avoid them, and to follow the fireworks laws in general.

Too often sky lanterns get caught on trees, roofscell phone towers, or land on the ground when the flames are still active and ignite damaging fires. They are banned in most U.S. states and many countries.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.