2015 Archive

SKY LANTERNS – WHAT THEY ARE & WHY THEY’RE ILLEGAL

6.16.15

Sky Lanterns are popular is some places around the nation to celebrate special occasions such as summer festivals and the Fourth of July. The Fishers Fire Department reminds everyone that any untethered release of Sky Lanterns is unlawful in the State of Indiana, and has been since December 1st, 2014.

Here’s how a Fishers Fire Department news release describes a Sky Lantern. “A small ‘wick’ is lit that lets off warm air, (much like a hot air balloon) and inflates the paper ‘lantern.’ Typically released in the last glow of the sunset or dark hours, it’s glow can be seen drifting away.”

Once turned loose into the atmosphere, the Sky Lantern “essentially becomes an uncontrolled ignition source with a flame that may burn up to 8 minutes and a varied drift distance depending on wind speed and dew point. Unintended landings may include structures, trees, and fields. Because these fires typically ignite at night, they may go unnoticed until quick extinguishment is not an option.”

Fire officials urge residents to celebrate this summer safely by observing state laws on Sky Lanterns.

REMINDER ABOUT THE FIREWORKS ORDINANCE

6.16.15

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Fishers Police Chief George Kehl is reminding local residents that there is a city fireworks ordinance. The ordinance itself is reprinted below for your reference. You may see some language in the law about the town….it now means the City of Fishers.

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§ 99.01 DEFINITION OF CONSUMER FIREWORK.

[Bookmark] § 99.01 DEFINITION OF CONSUMER FIREWORK.

For purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

CONSUMER FIREWORK.

(1) A small firework that is designed primarily to produce visible effects by combustion and that is required to comply with the construction, chemical composition, and labeling regulations promulgated by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 CFR 1507. The term also includes some small devices designed to produce an audible effect, such as whistling devices, ground devices containing 50 milligrams or less of explosive composition, and aerial devices containing 130 milligrams or less of explosive composition. Propelling or expelling charges consisting of a mixture of charcoal, sulfur, and potassium nitrate are not considered as designed to produce an audible effect. CONSUMER FIREWORK includes but may not be limited to the following:

(a) Aerial devices, which include sky rockets, missile type rockets, helicopter or aerial spinners, roman candles, mines, and shells;

(b) Ground audible devices, which include firecrackers, salutes, and chasers; and

(1) The following items are specifically excluded from the definition of CONSUMER FIREWORK:

(a) Model rockets;

(b) Toy pistol caps;

(d) Matches;

(e) Fixed ammunition for firearms;

(f) Ammunition components intended for use in firearms, muzzle loading cannons, or small arms;

(g) Shells, cartridges, and primers for use in firearms, muzzle loading cannons, or small arms;

(h) Indoor pyrotechnics special effects material; or

(i) M-80s, cherry bombs, silver salutes, and any device banned by the federal government.

(3) In addition, the following items are excluded from the definition of CONSUMER FIREWORKS but are and shall continue to be subject to applicable permitting requirements and state statutes governing fireworks:

(a) Dipped sticks or wire sparklers;

(b) Cylindrical fountains;

(d) Illuminating torches;

(e) Wheels;

(f) Ground spinners;

(g) Flitter sparklers;

(h) Snakes or glow worms;

(i) Smoke devices; and

(j) Trick noisemakers, which include:

1. Party poppers;

2. Booby traps;

3. Snappers;

4. Trick matches;

5. Cigarette loads; and

6. Auto burglar alarms.