Sky Lanterns Illegal In Oregon as of Sunday

They may look cool but starting Sunday, sky lanterns will be illegal in Oregon. Those who choose to break the law will face fines of up to $2,000.

The lanterns - basically a paper sack suspended over a flame, usually from a small candle - are also known as Chinese lanterns, UFO balloons, and wish lanterns. The hot air from the flame causes the balloon to rise. It is then carried by the wind.

That's the problem, according to the state fire marshal's office.

"Although they are pretty, sky lanterns are uncontrolled, open-flamed devices that pose an extreme fire hazard to people, property, and the environment" said Oregon Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. "Once released you have no control over where they may land.

"They could end up on someone's rooftop, in a tree, or a pile of debris and cause an unwanted fire."

A number of states, as well as countries such as Germany, Australia, and Brazil have outlawed sky lanterns.

Photo - Barry Peters via Wikimeda Commons