Sky lanterns, 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.
Depending on wind direction and speed, these devices have the potential to travel over a mile from where they are released. 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, especially during dry conditions.
The use of sky lanterns is prohibited as follows: Florida Statute 791
FSS 791.02 (1)- Except as hereinafter provided it is unlawful for any person, firm, co partnership,
or corporation to offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, or use or explode any fireworks.
FSS 791.01
(4)(a) Definition
“Fireworks” means and includes any combustible or
explosive composition or substance or combination of substances or, except as hereinafter provided, any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or
audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. The term includes blank cartridges and toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of
balloons which require fire underneath to propel them, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, dago bombs, and any fireworks containing any explosives
or flammable compound or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.
Florida Fire Prevention Code
NFPA 1: 10.11.2
(2012ed) The AHJ shall have the authority to prohibit
any or all open flames, candles, and open, recreational, and cooking fires or other sources of ignition, or establish special regulations on the use of any form of fire or smoking material where circumstances make such conditions hazardous.
For
any further questions,
please contact the Office of the Fire Marshal,
904-209-1740