Chinese flying lanterns pose fire hazard

Workers at the F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. say they’ve found the remains of several Chinese sky lanterns at the company’s mill site on Half Moon Road. Columbia Falls fire chief Rick Hagen expressed dismay over the report.

“These things pose a serious fire hazard if they land on dry wood or vegetation,” he said.

Hagen also noted that anyone found to be responsible for setting one of the lanterns aloft could be held liable for any fire damage caused by the device.

Chinese sky lanterns have landed on trees and tents at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR races, and a lantern that landed on a plastic recycling plant in England in July 2013 caused $9 million in damage.

In August 2013, the National Association of State Fire Marshals adopted a resolution urging states to ban the sale and use of the sky lanterns.

For centuries, the thin paper flying lanterns have been launched in China for good luck and to send wishes skyward. In the U.S., they’re popular at weddings and memorial events.

A Dallas, Texas company manufactures 42.5-inch high, 26-inch wide WishLanterns using rice paper and a bamboo frame that are 100 percent biodegradable and “eco-friendly.” Powered by a paraffin-filled “fuel cell,” WishLanterns can stay alight for about 12 minutes and reach a height of 3,000 feet, the company says.

But the company recommends using the flying lanterns on calm days with less than 5 mph winds in open spaces, away from airports, buildings, overhead objects, dry crops, woodlands and plants. They also suggest users keep a fire extinguisher and water nearby.

“Used sensibly and in the right conditions, WishLanterns are a safe and fun alternative to fireworks,” the company says in their online frequently-asked section.

WalMart recently offered Chinese “sky fly” lanterns for sale online, 50 for $39.95, a $40 savings.

Workers at the F.H. Stoltze Land & Lumber Co. say they’ve found the remains of several Chinese sky lanterns at the company’s mill site on Half Moon Road. Columbia Falls fire chief Rick Hagen expressed dismay over the report.

“These things pose a serious fire hazard if they land on dry wood or vegetation,” he said.

Hagen also noted that anyone found to be responsible for setting one of the lanterns aloft could be held liable for any fire damage caused by the device.

Chinese sky lanterns have landed on trees and tents at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR races, and a lantern that landed on a plastic recycling plant in England in July 2013 caused $9 million in damage.

In August 2013, the National Association of State Fire Marshals adopted a resolution urging states to ban the sale and use of the sky lanterns.

For centuries, the thin paper flying lanterns have been launched in China for good luck and to send wishes skyward. In the U.S., they’re popular at weddings and memorial events.

A Dallas, Texas company manufactures 42.5-inch high, 26-inch wide WishLanterns using rice paper and a bamboo frame that are 100 percent biodegradable and “eco-friendly.” Powered by a paraffin-filled “fuel cell,” WishLanterns can stay alight for about 12 minutes and reach a height of 3,000 feet, the company says.

But the company recommends using the flying lanterns on calm days with less than 5 mph winds in open spaces, away from airports, buildings, overhead objects, dry crops, woodlands and plants. They also suggest users keep a fire extinguisher and water nearby.

“Used sensibly and in the right conditions, WishLanterns are a safe and fun alternative to fireworks,” the company says in their online frequently-asked section.

WalMart recently offered Chinese “sky fly” lanterns for sale online, 50 for $39.95, a $40 savings.