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.
“We have heard from farmers who tell us these devices sometimes get tangled in their equipment, which can cause damage,” said Legislator Frank Todaro, “and that’s a concern.”
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.
