Fire Risk from Chinese Lanterns

With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, the CLA in the South West is asking people to think again before they include sky lanterns as part of their celebrations.

The Association believes that the risk of fire to land and property, and threat to people, livestock and pets simply cannot justify the continued use of what many people are now coming to appreciate is a real threat.

CLA South west Director, John Mortimer, said: “Manufacturers and importers defend their products as an “environmentally friendly” way for people to enjoy themselves, but it is patently obvious that they are actually a potentially lethal fire risk.”

As well as the obvious fire risk, the wire frames used in many of the lanterns have caused injury and proved fatal to livestock. Other countries – apparently including parts of China – have seen fit to ban their use as the list of problems grows ever longer.

“Although there are safety instructions on many packs, the responsibility remains firmly with the person who releases the naked flame - and they have no control over where it lands. I would urge anyone considering using sky lanterns to think again and ask themselves if they would set one off towards their own home.”

Even in open countryside, said Mr Mortimer, there were barns, houses, farmyards, and woodland where people and animals could be put at risk. There was also, he said, a considerable risk to stores of dry crops such as hay and straw.

“It cannot be right that one group of people’s so-called celebrations can cause, at best, anxiety and, at worst, real damage, to others.”