Ramsey Sullivan
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Sky lanterns can be seen floating around the sky for various reasons - to remember a loved one, celebrate a holiday or even to celebrate a wedding. However, these lanterns can cause serious damage and are even illegal to release in the state of Florida.
Everyone has heard the saying, “what goes up, must come down.” This old saying even applies to sky lanterns, which is why they can be dangerous. The lanterns work much like a hot air balloon, with the hot air filling the lantern and causing it to rise. When the flame runs out, the hot air balloon floats to the ground. When it gets there, it can cause fires or can be harmful to wildlife.
Although the lanterns may seem harmless at small family functions, they can easily get out of control when released and can rise to 3,000 feet. Then, they can land on the ground or in trees, which can spark a fire.
Lately, a few sky lanterns have been seen in Jefferson County, even in one resident’s yard. With the lack of rain, it can be even more dangerous for these to be traveling around. Even if only a few lanterns are being launched, it can still cause devastation if it lands in the wrong place. In addition to the fire hazard, the wires can even harm farm animals, which Jefferson County has an abundance of.
According to Florida law, “It is unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to intentionally release, organize the release or intentionally cause to be released within a 24-hour period ten or more balloons inflated with a gas that is lighter than air, except for: balloons released by a person on behalf of a governmental agency or pursuant to a governmental contract for scientific or meteorological purposes; hot air balloons that are recovered after launching; balloons released indoors; or balloons that are either biodegradable or photodegradable.” The penalty for violating this law is punishable by a fine of $250.
This year, instead of launching these balloons, try to remember your loved one or celebrate a marriage in a safer, more sustainable way.
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