Community Corner

Sky Lanterns a Concern for Ballwin Area Firefighters

The hot air balloon-like devices could present a fire hazard hazard, a Metro West Fire Protection District representative said.

An emerging party favor sold at fireworks stands around Ballwin puts an open flame at the mercy of the windsβ€”a scenario Fox 2 St. Louis said has Metro West firefighters nervous.

The devices are called sky lanterns, and operate like a miniature hot air balloon. The lanterns have been around for centuries, but sale of the small paper crafts, which house an open flame, could pose a danger to structures or landscapes the crafts could hit, Deputy Chief Mike Krause said.

β€œIt's an uncontrolled flame and it's at the whim of the currents of the winds,' Krause told Fox 2 St. Louis.

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