May 10, 2024 |
Photo – Sky lanterns – Courtesy Bing AI
The county fire warden is discouraging residents from shooting flaming objects into the sky. Apparently, some people have to be told that is a bad idea.
During the May 7th Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, Fire Warden John Rutherford said residents have asked about using sky lanterns during celebrations. Otherwise known as a Chinese lantern, a sky lantern consists of a balloon made of paper with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. Fire Warden Rutherford said not to release lit fires into the sky.
Fire Warden Rutherford said sky lanterns can easily cause a wildfire when they touch down. Rutherford said after explaining to people that they are responsible for what happens after the lantern lands, they usually choose not to use them.
Rutherford informed the county commissioners that people have also asked about using fireworks to distribute cremated human remains. The fire warden said the amount of charge needed to lift a firework that large off the ground presents too great of a fire risk.
Rutherford thanked residents for presenting him with their unusual requests. However, the fire warden said people need to consider what happens after the sky lantern or firework lands before sending flaming objects into the sky.
