Kennedy said he had observed the release of several sky lanterns in the southern end of Fidalgo island over the July Fourth holiday. He said they disappeared, still lit, over a wooded area. He said, "Rather than wait for one of these to land within our forest lands or other critical areas of the city, I'd like to ban the sale and use in the city of Anacortes."
Under the proposal by the Fire Department, sky lanterns would be added to the city's fireworks ordinance, which would make their sale or use in the city a misdemeanor.
The state Fire Protection Bureau said, in a bulletin, that sky lanterns can be airborne for 10 to 15 minutes before the fuel cell is exhausted and it floats back to the ground. They said sky lanterns can reach an altitude of 1,500 feet and could be blown for several miles before landing.
Council member Erica Pickett said she has seen some sail over her house and head toward the March Point refineries. Kennedy said, "Once they're released, there's no control over them whatsoever."
Council member Bill Turner pointed out that, "Anacortes is different from other cities...we have 3,000 acres of forest and parks, heavily wooded. In a dry year, those are very sensitive areas." He added, "These don't make any sense to me in Anacortes, at all."
Council member Brad Adams said, "I don't want people to think we don't like fun, we don't believe in this kind of fun."
The Council discussed whether anyone launching sky lanterns should be subject to a ticket, or a criminal prosecution, like fireworks violators would. The Council decided to postpone a decision for two weeks while they consider that question.