A friend had a death in the family. They want to have a get together at Grapevine Lake. And then do those candle lanterns that go in the air. Would you say yes or no with the drought.

I'm not a fireman but:

Fires caused by Chinese lanterns

Just common sense says no given the drought conditions.

I was a volunteer fireman and was a ESD (Emergency Services District) Commissioner in Henderson County. That would be a big NO here. Sorry but it would be too dangerous.

Cyalume sticks and helium balloons instead?

And thats exactly what I though and said to them. My thinking was if they saw comments made by others it would steer them right.

I drove thru Murrell Park today everything is dry as a bone tell them no way that is a good idea and would probably cause a major fire.

The balloons are not good for livestock.

Just my .02 on this...

1) Sorry for the loss
2) Thank you for at least thinking this through and asking
3) It would not be a wise decision for Chinese lanterns at this time
4) I wouldn't do balloons either, they are a pollutant just the same; find way too many of them in our yard and lakes

Find other ways to memorials like plant trees, flowers, cactus, etc. that would beautify for years to come

Have them donate a bench to the parks department.

Trees and benches are a great idea...and will honor their memory so much longer. They could also look at sponsoring the litter cleanup on a section of a highway. So many more ways that won't risk ecological or environmental damage.

Does it take really take a fireman to answer this?

I'm not a fireman anymore, but I played one for 31 years. I would say that is wreckless with it being so dry. I would also guess if it started a fire that destroyed property or injured or killed anyone, they would be liable both criminally and civilly.

Good point.

The liability would be tremendous in my opinion.