Fireworks Business Challenges Detroit Suburb's Sky Lantern Ban

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ/AP) - A fireworks business is challenging a Detroit suburb's ban on sky lanterns.

Black Diamond Fireworks sued the city of Sterling Heights on Friday in Macomb County Circuit Court, according to reports.

Sterling Heights last year passed an ordinance that prohibits the sale or use of sky lanterns, a candle-containing device that's released into the air. Officials say they are a fire hazard.

Black Diamond was told to remove the items from sale last month. The company's attorney Steve Kaplan says the ordinance is illegal because it is more restrictive than the state's fireworks law. He says, however, that the company has stopped selling sky lanterns in Sterling Heights.

City officials aren't commenting on the pending litigation.

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