The city of Omaha might ban the sale or use of flying lanterns.
An ordinance banning the sale, possession, or use of those fireworks will appear on next Tuesday’s city council agenda. The lanterns have a balloon-like covering that traps heated air from an open flame, allowing them to float.
Omaha Fire Department Battallion Chief Tim McCaw says the fireworks can be especially dangerous during hot, dry summer conditions.
"Especially around the fourth of July, it’s summer time and any time it poses a risk would be if it lands on a roof, if it lands in a gutter that may have leaves or debris, if it lands in brush, it lands in dry vegetation. And then you couple that with the possibility of wind. The biggest thing here is these are uncontrolled, and that’s the biggest issue."
If the ban passes, anyone selling or using flying lanterns could be fined 200 dollars. The Omaha City Council could vote on the ordinance September 29th. Lincoln passed a similar ban in August.
Fireworks can be sold and used in Omaha between June 24th and July 5th, and from December 29th to January first.