'Do Not Release Lanterns,' Fire Officials Warn

CANBY, OR — Apparently in response to seeing them around the city, Canby Fire Department officials on Monday released an alert warning residents against the use of sky lanterns — also called aerial luminaries, Chinese lanterns, and another dozen or so regional terms.

The lanterns, which are created using a candle, string, and paper (or a kit when bought online), are dangerous fire hazards, especially during periods of hot, dry weather like we're currently experiencing across the greater Portland metro area, Canby Fire spokesman Todd Gary said in a statement.

The lanterns are typically released en masse into the sky or left along the ground during various kinds of ceremonies. According to Gary, using the lanterns became a class A violation in Oregon in January 2017. Anyone caught releasing one of the lanterns into Oregon airspace could be punished with a $2,000 fine.

Along with Oregon and several other U.S. states, the lantern prohibition exists in Germany, Australia, and Brazil.

Anyone who sees one of these lanterns is encouraged to contact local fire authorities immediately.

Image via VCG, Getty Images