Flying lanterns banned in Saskatoon

Fire officials in Saskatoon are warning people about flying lanternspaper or plastic devices with a candle inside that are lit and released to float away like tiny hot air balloons.

The lanterns, sometimes called sky lanterns,are considered fire hazards and are prohibited within city limits, the city says.

Fire marshal Wayne Roger said there have been no fires in Saskatoon caused by flying lanterns, but it's potentially a problem.

Inspectors are fanning out across Saskatoon looking for stores that are selling the lanterns. One of the stores that got a visit was Bazaar and Novelty, which got a shipment of the lanterns about a week ago.

Dave Davis, part-owner of the party supply store, said he understands the concern and has pulled the flying lanterns from his shelves.

"We don't want to have any part in being responsible for a fire that can be caused by these floating lanterns," Davis said.

"If they land in somebody's backyard ... there could be grass fire or a roof could catch fire with cedar shingles on it or whatever."

Roger said lanterns have the potential to fly more than a kilometre high and travel for kilometres in whatever direction the wind decides.