The Republican Caucus in the Erie County Legislature voted in favor of a law opposing the sale and use of sky lanterns, after several farmers, as well as the Erie County Soil and Water District made the request, following issues impacting their equipment, property, and livestock.
Pursuant to the New York State Office of fire Prevention and Control, these devices constitute a recreational fire. Once they are released, they are considered an unattended fire and may remain lit when the device lands in a neighborhood, agricultural field or other undesirable location.
“People don’t set these lanterns off into the air intending to do harm, but the reality is they can pose many problems. We need to be mindful of the issues posed, particularly to the farming community,” said Legislator Chris Greene.
The law seeks to dissuade those who would otherwise set these sky lanterns off into the air. Violators are subject to fines. The measure passed 11-0.
