Clarence, NY Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Erie County Local Law No. 2 of 2025, "The Sky Lantern Prohibition Act," was enacted under Section 10(a)(12) of the New York State Municipal Home Rule Law, which empowers counties to adopt local laws protecting the safety, health, and well-being of persons and property within the county. Section 3 defines a "sky lantern" broadly as any unmanned airborne device — typically constructed from oiled rice paper, fire-retardant paper, or fabric on a bamboo or wire frame — that contains a small candle or fuel cell which heats the air inside, causing it to rise. The definition explicitly captures candle kites, Chinese candle kites, Kongming lanterns, wish lanterns, lantern kites, fire balloons, sky candles, candle balloons, mini hot air balloons, flying lanterns, Chinese lanterns, and candle balloons.

Section 4 prohibits any natural person, company, corporation, LLC, firm, partnership, business organization, or other legal entity in Erie County from selling, offering for sale, or permitting the sale of a sky lantern. Section 5 prohibits the use, release, or dispatch of a sky lantern into the air anywhere in Erie County. The Legislature's findings (Section 2) reference NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control guidance that once dispatched, sky lanterns constitute a "Recreational Fire" that must be constantly attended until extinguished — and upon release they become "Unattended Fires," which may remain lit when landing in neighborhoods, agricultural fields, or other locations. The law was sponsored by Legislator Mills after requests from local farmers and the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District.