Fourth of July Safety
Napoleon Fire and Police Departments Urge Citizens to Celebrate Safely This July 4th
With Independence Day just around the corner, Napoleon Fire & Police Departments are urging citizens to practice safety when considering the use of fireworks in their celebrations. Ohio Law prohibits fireworks except for “novelty and trick” fireworks, such as party poppers and glow worms. Bottle rockets, M-80’s and Sky Lanterns are all PROHIBITED!! To learn more on what fireworks are allowed visit The Ohio State Fire Marshal website.
Sky lanterns have become increasingly popular as a way to celebrate. However, they pose a serious fire safety hazard and their use is prohibited by The City of Napoleon, National Fire Protection Association, and The State of Ohio.
- The lanterns are made of oiled rice paper with a bamboo frame, materials that can easily catch on fire.
- A candle or wax fuel cell is used with the device.
- The lit flame heats the inside of the lantern, causing it to rise into the air.
- Once lit and airborne, it can travel over a mile in distance.
- Wind can affect the sky lantern, blowing the sides, forcing the hot air out and sending the flaming lantern back to the ground.
- These lanterns have the potential to cause fires.
- A flaming lantern can drop onto a rooftop, field, trees or power lines before the flame is fully extinguished.
- A destructive fire can result when a flaming lantern reaches the ground during dry conditions.
- Sky lanterns should not be used under any circumstances.
Over the past several years Sky Lanterns have been responsible for many fires and significant damages across the United States. Sky Lanterns do not meet the definition of a firework, according to the State of Ohio Fire Marshal. These sky lanterns are considered flames effects. Thus, they require under the Ohio Fire Code and the Ohio Administrative Code, permits and exhibitor licenses to be issued, under the State Fire Marshal’s Office. If a person does not comply with these requirements they are subject to citations which carry both civil and criminal penalties. Thus, if these are used in an unpermitted fashion, they could face penalties to include a 1st degree misdemeanor for violating the Ohio Fire Code. In Ohio, we also have criminal and civil penalties for negligent and intentional ignition and/or spreading of fires.
