Crime & Safety
Sky Lanterns Considered a Fire Hazard in Carlsbad and State of CA
The "wishing lanterns" as they are sometimes called are sold on Living Social and at other retailers, but the CA State Fire Marshall warns against using them in California.
With 4th of July and wedding season here, people might be thinking of lighting sky lanterns for their celebrations.
However, the Office of the State Fire Marshal has identified a potential fire safety problem regarding the use of Sky Lanterns that are being sold at various retail establishments in the State of California.
The following bulletin is posted on the state's website http://osfm.fire.ca.gov:
"Sky lanterns, airborne paper lanterns that are a tradition found in some cultures, are typically constructed from oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame. The lanterns contain a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material. When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern, thus lowering its density causing the lantern to rise into the air. They are known to travel significant distances from the point of release. There is a serious fire and safety hazard associated with sky lanterns, which include the potential to start an unintended fire on or off the property from which they are released. It has been determined by the State Fire Marshal that this product does not fall within the definition of a firework (HSC §12511) or a pyrotechnic device (HSC §12526). However, several pieces of regulation and statute exist that will assist the fire service in regulating the use of this product."
Sky lanterns are consired a fire hazard and any person who releases one could be guilty of a misdemeanor for causing a fire.
"Every person is guilty of a misdemeanor who, through careless or negligent action, throws or places any lighted cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which may cause a fire, in any place where it may directly or indirectly start a fire, or who uses or operates a welding torch, tar pot or any other device which may cause a fire who does not clear the inflammable material surrounding the operation or take such other reasonable precautions necessary to insure against the starting and spreading of fire," states the bulletin.
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