Md. bans ‘sky lanterns,’ citing fire hazard

The Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s banning a type of burning, airborne decoration called a “sky lantern.”

The agency said Friday that the balloon-shaped devices can return to earth and start fires.

Sky lanterns are popular in East Asia. They’re typically made of oiled rice paper on a bamboo frame. A lighted candle or fuel cell heats the air inside the device, causing it to soar upward.

The agency says some other states have also banned the devices.