Fireworks business challenges suburb's sky lantern ban

MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) - A fireworks business is challenging a Detroit suburb's ban on sky lanterns. The Macomb Daily of Mount Clemens and the Detroit Free Press report Black Diamond Fireworks sued the city of Sterling Heights last Friday in Macomb County Circuit Court. 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. Black Diamond 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. Published: Thu, Jul 07, 2016