They're beautiful and gaining popularity at parties, weddings, and memorial events, but before you hop on the sky lantern trend this holiday weekend you should know they're illegal.
The lanterns break fire code and are banned here in Ohio.
BEAUTIFUL BUT DANGEROUS: I know you've heard that before ? but these babies are illegal! Sky lantern warning on @WEWS tonight pic.twitter.com/CnofyoqO0E
See AlsoRethinking The Celebration: Aftermath of Sky Lanterns and BalloonsSky Lanterns - Flaming Litter | Balloons BlowN.J. bill sets hefty fine for intentionally releasing, tethering balloonsFire department warns of sky lantern rules— Tara Molina (@TaraMolinaTV) June 28, 2017
According to fire officials, each one is basically a tiny, uncontrollable fire.
"When you light it, it produces heat, that allows it to go up into the air," Sandusky Fire Chief Mario D'Amico explained.
The lanterns used enough for the Ohio Fire Marshal to re-issue a warning, especially with 4th of July celebrations right around the corner. Sky lanterns aren't fireworks and they aren't legal.
"We don't allow them in Sandusky, we don't want them to land on a building or another flammable object," Chief D'Amico added.
He said they've seen them a few times in Sandusky, but luckily without complications; "luckily nothing happened."
If you're caught lighting one up anywhere in state, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, carrying a $1000 fine and even jail time.
"We advise you do not use them," the chief said.
News 5 checked in with several communities while reporting this story and didn't find one that's issued a permit for the lanterns.
For more from the fire marshal:
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