Lincoln, Nebraska Considering Ban on ‘Flying Bags of Fire’

The Lincoln, Neb., City Council will consider a proposal to ban flying lanterns — or what Public Safety Director Tom Casady calls “flying bags of fire.”

Councilman Roy Christensen proposed the ban, the Lincoln Journal Star reported. Bill Moody, the city’s chief fire inspector, supports it.

“There is something inherently wrong in lighting a candle and setting it airborne and not having any control over where it will come down,” Moody said.

The fire department has reported numerous fires over the past few years started by the flying lanterns, which are small paper air balloons powered by a flame.

That includes a fire last year started by a flying lantern when it landed on the roof of a townhouse in the Williamsburg neighborhood, causing about $260,000 in damage. In May, another flying lantern set fire to the roof of a restaurant in south Lincoln, causing about $16,000 in damage, Moody said.

There were 10 fires associated with flying lanterns in 2012 and 13 in 2013.

A bill before the Nebraska Legislature to ban the lanterns failed to advance to floor debate this year, although supporters expect lawmakers to consider it next year.

Christensen’s proposal would ban the sale and use of the paper lanterns within city limits.