Middletown Officials Warn Against Use of Sky Lanterns, Fireworks

Middletown officials are warning township residents about the illegal use of sky lanterns. 

The lanterns, also called floating, wishing or celebration lanterns, are airborne paper lanterns typically made of oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame.

The lanterns contain a small candle or fuel cell made of waxy flammable material that heats the air inside the lantern and causes it to rise into the air. 

When lit, the flame heats the air inside the lantern causing it to rise into the air. The lanterns are known to travel great distance and are considered to be a fire hazard under N.J.A.C 5:70-3, 308.3.2, according to the Middletown Police and Towship Fire Official. 

They can land on buildings, trees and cause fires.

The lanterns are illegal in California, and are banned in New Hampshire, Illinois, Minnesota, South Carolina, Hawaii, Utah, Tennessee and Virginia. 

The sky lanterns also pose hazards to aviation and vehicular traffic, and the Federal Aviation Association is concerned about the lanterns getting sucked into the engines of aircraft, Barclay said. 

Residents should also be aware that New Jersey’s Laws on Fireworks are very restrictive.  In New Jersey, only paper or plastic caps for use in toy guns are legal. 

Fireworks such as firecrackers, roman candles, rockets are all illegal in New Jersey So are sparklers and novelty items, such as cigarette loads, trick matches, trick noise makers, smoke grenades, toy propellants, snaps & pops, poppetts and champagne poppers, say officials. 

Any person found using fireworks illegally can be fined up to $500 and/or imprisoned for up to 30 days. The law further states that the sale or possession of fireworks, with intent to sell, is a crime of the fourth degree.  

Any person found guilty of possessing fireworks, including sparklers, with the intention of selling them, can be fined up to $7,500 and/or imprisoned up to 18 months.

Residents with information concerning the use or sale of fireworks and sky lanterns are encouraged to report them to the Middletown Township Police Department 732-615-2100. 

Questions regarding fireworks and sky lanterns can be directed to the Fire Official at 732-615-2270.