MANDAN, N.D. (AP) - Floating lanterns sold at fireworks stand could soon be outlawed in Mandan.
An ordinance that recently garnered preliminary approval from the Mandan City Commission would make the use of the popular sky lanterns an offense punishable with a $75 fine.
The Bismarck Tribune (https://bit.ly/1ZrxzcX ) reports the draft ordinance prohibits using or owning floating lanterns, incendiary balloons, sky lanterns or celebration lanterns.
City Attorney Malcolm Brown says a balloon requiring fire underneath to propel it is a firework under state law. He says state law already prohibits the lanterns.
But Chad Neff representing Memory Fireworks disagrees. He says the lanterns are not considered a firework.
Mandan Fire Chief Steve Nardello doesn’t oppose the ordinance because of the catastrophic event that a lantern could cause if it lands on a petroleum tank.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com
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