Sky lanterns not allowed in Vernon

Fire Rescue is reminding the public that sky lanterns can not be used in the City of Vernon.

Deputy fire chief Scott Hemstad says the lanterns are an uncontrollable fire hazard which when lit, can travel over 2 kilometres, and have caused large fires in urban and wildland settings.

“The risk posed by these lanterns is obvious. Once released they fly away and can land on a balcony, roofing, field or in the forest. The enjoyment of watching a lantern, pales in comparison to the risk to the community.” said Scott Hemstad, Deputy Fire Chief.

Fines for releasing a sky lantern in the City start at $500 per lantern and a person found responsible for starting a fire may be subject to much larger fines.

“Recently, a man in Cache Creek was ordered to pay $500,000 for staring a wildfire,” says Hemstad.

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Wikipedia says a sky lantern, also known as Kongming lantern or Chinese lantern, is a small hot air balloon made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended.

“In Asia and elsewhere around the world, sky lanterns have been traditionally made for centuries, to be launched for play or as part of long-established festivities. The name sky lantern is a translation of the Chinese name but they have also been referred to as sky candles or fire balloons,” says the website.