Chinese flying lantern advice

Chinese flying lanterns have become more popular recently and are often used at birthdays, weddings and other celebrations.  Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service do not recommend the use of Chinese flying lanterns for many reasons.

The dangers of flying lanterns

  • They can start fires in hedges, thatched properties and fields
  • They pose a burn risk to livestock and if eaten the lanterns and wire can cause injury to their stomachs and mouths
  • Even though some parts of the lantern are biodegradable they do remain on view either on the ground, in trees and hedges, which is an eyesore
  • The emergency services suffer a loss of resources whilst having to investigate lantern sightings when they are mistaken for something else such as a distress flair
Chinese flying lantern view from underside