State fire marshal announces use of sky lanterns illegal in Illinois
Sky
lanterns pose serious risk of injuries and fires
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[June 05, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois
Office of the State Fire Marshal has issued notice of the official
ban on sky lanterns, also known as aerial luminaries or floating
lanterns, in Illinois. Sky lanterns present a potential risk for
injuries and fires. The paper-made lanterns contain a small candle
or fuel cell that when lit, heats the air in the lantern, making it
rise into the air. Sky lanterns travel a long distance without any
control of their final destination.
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"The use of sky lanterns during any celebration can turn into
tragedy if they land on someone's house, over any flammable
materials or people," said Larry Matkaitis, state fire marshal. "We
must protect the lives and property of the citizens we serve, and
there is no question that these devices represent a threat to public
safety and aviation." Sky lanterns are defined as "fireworks"
under the Fireworks Regulation Act of Illinois,
425 ILCS 30/2, which states in part that "fireworks mean and
include the type of balloon which requires fire underneath to
propel." Sky lanterns have been known to cause residential and
forest fires, as well as other losses. In addition, they represent a
hazard to aviation and a distraction to vehicular traffic.
In banning the use, distribution and retail sale of sky lanterns,
the OSFM joins New Hampshire, California, Minnesota, South Carolina,
Hawaii, Utah, Tennessee and Virginia. Other states, including Kansas
and Missouri and the New York Division of Fire Prevention and
Control, are also looking into adopting changes to fire codes to
regulate the use of sky lanterns. The Federal Aviation Association
has raised concerns over the use of floating lanterns, as they can
be sucked into the engines of airborne aircrafts.
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On May 14 the Office of the State Fire Marshal's Consumer
Fireworks Review Committee voted to put the sky lanterns on the
Prohibited Consumer Fireworks list. The OSFM then sent a notice to
all fire chiefs, fire departments, municipalities and retailers
statewide alerting them about the possible increase in use of sky
lanterns during summertime and special celebrations.
For more information on Illinois fireworks laws, visit the OSFM's
website at
www.sfm.illinois.gov/commercial/
pyrotechnicsfireworks/index.aspx.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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