Chinese or sky lanterns - the facts
We have all seen and perhaps used these lanterns for a celebration or event. They look impressive, especially in a dark night sky. However, evidence proves they create particular hazards where they land. They’ve already been banned in some countries and fire services have issued warnings to people over the dangers following incidents such as at the Smethwick recycling plant, in which CCTV shows a Chinese lantern landing and starting a huge inferno.
The RSPCA is running a campaign to dissuade people from using these lanterns. They make powerful points about the dangers to wildlife and livestock, whilst promoting other safe ways in which to mark an occasion. Currently legal in England or Scotland, the lanterns are banned in Wales on all council land. The RSPCA is campaigning for the same ban here. They have teamed up with the National Farmers Union, National Fire Chiefs’ Council, Marine Conservation Society, Women's Food and Farming Union, Soil Association and many other organisations.
The RSPCA define sky lanterns as a paper-covered wire or bamboo frame and an open flame heat source lifting the lantern into the air where it can float for miles. Sky lanterns can cause fires, as they use an open flame to float. This can destroy habitats and set animal housing, feed and bedding alight. They can be hazardous to wildlife, farm animals and horses.
As well as the fire risk paper lanterns can cause other kinds of injury, suffering and death to animals. When they're eaten, sharp parts like the wire frame can tear and puncture an animal's throat or stomach causing internal bleeding. Animals can also become entangled in fallen lantern frames, where they can suffer from injury and stress trying to get free or starve to death from being trapped. Birds can also be caught in the frames and marine life is endangered by lanterns falling into the sea.
The RSPCA are calling for people to understand this risk. Besides discouraging others from using paper lanterns they suggest contacting event planners and retailers asking them to use safe alternatives, contacting local councils about planned releases and lobbying your MP.
Here are the RSPCA's suggestions for equally colourful and attractive – but much safer - alternatives to lanterns. An example is using jam jars with LED tea lights – even better when used in recycled jars!
The facts in this article are hardly surprising. How could sending a fire into the sky possibly be safe? What goes up comes down. I’ve often wondered about the possibility of one landing on a thatched property which could be a significant threat, or possibly fatal, to human life. Please spread the word; say ‘No’ to Chinese lanterns.