The summer fire season is upon us, and the dangers of uncontrolled fires increase in neighborhoods where there is dry vegetation.
The Jefferson City Fire Department regulates outdoor fires, smoking and other ignition sources through fire codes, and fire officials want residents to remember sky lanterns fall under those codes due to their potential threat to start a fire.
Also known as kongming lanterns, wish lanterns, sky candles or fire balloons, sky lanterns consist of a paper or fabric balloon that traps heated air produced by an open flame device, usually a candle. The open flame device often is connected to the balloon by a wire frame.
While these devices may not be specifically prohibited or allowed by the model fire codes, fire safety regulations do give the code official the authority to regulate open flames both indoors and outdoors.
"It's not permitable because of the risk involved," said JCFD spokesman Jason Turner. "You are lighting a device, releasing it and its whereabouts as to where it lands is unknown.
"The risks include landing on a rooftop and landing in an open field. We've heard the argument of when the candle goes out, it comes down. Our response is when you light it, you don't know if it will go where you want it to."
Turner said the unknown direction these lanterns take is their main concern.
"What if it goes to a roof with leaves and dry materials in gutters?" he said.
Turner said these lanterns are much like fireworks, which also are not allowed in city limits. The lanterns are prohibited under city code, as they are regarded as an open flame, often unsupervised.
"We get phone calls about these all the time," Turner said. "We want everyone to honor their friends and loved ones, but at end of the day we are looking out for what's safe for the community."
At a Public Safety Committee meeting Thursday, Police Chief Roger Schroeder noted the lanterns technically are even illegal to have.
Those with questions about outdoor lamps can call the fire department at 634-6401.