Sky lantern, an uncontrollable fire hazard.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / City of Vernon
April 16, 2020 - 5:00 PM
Vernon firefighters had to extinguish a grass fire in a ravine at the Foothills subdivision on Easter Sunday, caused by a sky lantern.
According to a City of Vernon media release, firefighters were called to the grass fire at around 9:30 p.m. on April 12 near Copper Mountain Court and quickly extinguished the 20 by 30 feet area of burning grass. The fire was caused by a sky lantern landing in the grass.
"The risk posed by these lanterns is obvious," Vernon Fire Rescue Services Deputy Fire Chief Scott Hemstad said in the release. "Once released, they fly away and can land on a balcony, roofing, field or in the forest. The enjoyment of watching a lantern pales in comparison to the risk to the community."
The City describes the lanterns as an "uncontrollable fire hazard" which can travel over two kilometres once lit and have been responsible for large fires in both urban and woodland settings.
The lanterns are also prohibited with fines starting at $500. A person found responsible for starting a fire may also face much larger fines.
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