Fire risk warning over lantern use

Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Jamie Cowan says the use of Chinese lanterns could result in...
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Jamie Cowan says the use of Chinese lanterns could result in fires. Photo by Louise Scott.
Using Chinese lanterns is like throwing live matches around and hoping nothing catches fire, the Otago Rural Fire Authority says.

Deputy principal officer Jamie Cowan, based in Queenstown, is warning residents not to use lanterns this summer and is worried about a growth in their popularity.

"In the wrong conditions they could easily cause fires. They are simply not suitable for Otago's environment. Once launched they are at immediate risk of being blown into dry vegetation and other places where they could start a fire.''

His concern was heightened after local shops indicated they were sold out of the lanterns, which are often used to mark Chinese New Year.

He told the Otago Daily Times this pointed to a high level of demand.

Locals and visitors needed to be aware of the fire bans and possible dangers, he said.

"It is illegal to light a fire or cause a fire to be lit in the open air. This includes sky lanterns, also known as Chinese or flying lanterns. If you start one you could be putting lives at risk and will be liable for the costs involved.''

Given the nature of the region's terrain, he said costs could easily run into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Mr Cowan explained the lanterns worked on the same principle as a hot air balloon and were powered by a tea-light candle which heated up the air inside the paper lantern.

They could fly for kilometres and reach heights of around 800m.

Both Central Otago and the Southern Lakes zones are now in a prohibited fire season.

- Louise Scott 

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