As hot and dry weather conditions begin to increase, outdoor fire dangers increase as well. In response, King County is prohibiting sky lanterns, or Chinese lanterns, without obtaining a local fire district burn permit.

Sky lanterns also are prohibited during fire-safety burn bans.

Sky lanterns are not classified or regulated as fireworks. However, because they include an open flame, they are regulated by the International Fire Code, as adopted in state law. Section 308.2 of the International Fire Code, for example, requires a fire permit for certain activities involving open flame, fire, and burning.

Please contact your local jurisdiction for requirements or to learn more.

For more information, visit the King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review Fire Marshal website.