Date: 7th September, 2018
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to take care with Chinese lanterns.
Although there has been some rain in recent weeks, local heathland and vegetation is still very dry.
Chinese lanterns, also known as wish or flying lanterns, carry a significant risk of fire or injury if not used wisely. The lanterns are generally made from paper, supported by a wire frame that incorporates a holder at the base for a solid fuel heat source.
Group Manager Richard Coleman said: “With Chinese lanterns, you’re basically throwing a naked flame into the sky with no control over the direction it will take or where it will land – in addition, there is no guarantee that the fuel source will be fully extinguished and cooled when the lantern eventually descends.”
He added: “The long, hot summer has left heathland and vegetation extremely dry, even with the recent rain. Chinese lanterns do look lovely, but they are a real hazard, so we would urge people to think twice about using them.”
Further advice on the use of Chinese lanterns can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/chinese-lanterns