Kittitas County Press Release
Fire Marshal
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kittitas County Bans Sky Lanterns
Kittitas County, WA - 06/20/2012 - Effective Tuesday, June 20, 2012 at 8:00 a.m., a ban has been placed on the lighting or release of Sky Lanterns within Kittitas County.
Sky lanterns, while visually appealing, create a potential for a fire hazard. Once lit, sky lanterns are subject to air currents, obstructions such as trees and buildings, and are uncontrolled after release. Additionally, the fuel cells can burn from 5-15 minutes, depending on the device.
Previous incidences have occurred in which sky lanterns were released at peak fire times, when the fuel moisture content of natural vegetation is at a point where conflagration is probable if the devices get caught on trees, buildings or other combustibles within and near wildland areas.
Anyone found to be lighting or releasing sky lanterns in Kittitas County will be subject to a civil infraction with a penalty of $500 per violation.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact (media only): Brenda Larsen
509-962-7000
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