Is it Lights Out for Jack-O-Lanterns in New York State?

Finally, after two months of the Halloween season being present everywhere, the day is almost here. This year, I'm not planning on being home during the time of trick-or-treating, so if I find toilet paper strewn around the front of my house, it's my own fault.

During a conversation with some of my co-workers recently, someone brought up the subject of whether it's legal or not to have a carved pumpkin with a lit candle on your property in the State of New York. I'm thinking that's a silly question. My family always had one or two or more pumpkins on display at Halloween, lit by a candle.

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Legal Or Not?

So, I decided to check out any such nonsense. Well, according to an article from 2021 on the New York State Division of Consumer Protection website, there are a lot of topics on keeping safe during Halloween including health, pedestrians, drivers, costumes, treats, and decorations.

As I read over the topic of decorations, there was no statement of it being illegal to burn a candle in a carved pumpkin, but rather a strong suggestion not to do so:

Use battery-operated tea lights, LED lights, or glow sticks instead of an open-flame candle for your Jack-o-Lanterns. Keep your decorated Jack-o-Lanterns away from curtains, decorations, or other flammable objects that could be ignited. Do not leave an open flame candle unattended. Keep any candles or Jack-o-Lanterns away from landings or doorsteps where costumes could brush against the flames and place them on a sturdy table. - NYS Division of Consumer Protection

Staying Safe On Halloween

So, it's not illegal, but not a good idea, but if you do... I agree with the fact that a person's costume could brush up against a pumpkin with a lit candle could be an issue. And on that topic, one of the suggestions is for trick-or-treaters:

Look for fabrics labeled “flame resistant” such as nylon or polyester when purchasing costumes, beards, wigs, and masks. Flame-resistant fabrics are not flame proof but they will resist burning and can be extinguished quickly. -  NYS Division of Consumer Protection

For more safety suggestions, visit the New York State Division of Consumer Protection Halloween Celebration page.

[via New York State Division of Consumer Protection]
[H/T to WYRK]