Urged not to use sky lanterns

Otago residents are being asked not to use sky lanterns for private or public Chinese New Year celebrations this week, amid fears they may cause fires in the region's dry conditions.

Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said the lanterns worked on the same principle as hot air balloons, and were powered by a tea-light candle which heated up the air inside the paper lantern.

The lanterns could fly for several kilometres and reach heights of about 800m.

''Otago is New Zealand's driest region, and once launched, they [the lanterns] are at immediate risk of being blown into dry vegetation and other places where they could start a fire.''

Dr Rotarangi said she had noticed a significant increase in the use of lanterns during the past few days, and was concerned by their growing popularity at weddings and other special occasions.

However, she believed they were not suitable for Otago's environment.

''Many parts of Otago are very dry and the long-range forecast suggests this will worsen as the summer continues.

''Otago is now in a prohibited fire season and, as such, it is illegal to light a fire or cause a fire to be lit in the open air. This includes sky lanterns,'' she said.

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