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OFT issues Chinese lantern safety warning

Wed, 19 Oct 2011

There are concerns about the safety of sky lanterns - with warnings they could cause serious injury or set buildings on fire.

The glowing paper lanterns which float up into the sky have become popular at celebrations over recent years.

They're made of paper supported by a frame and contain a flammable block like a firelighter.

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading, the Fire Service and the Coastguard are concerned about their use.

In the UK, a 3 year old boy had his face badly scalded when molten fuel fell on him from a lantern which was floating overhead.

In another frightening incident, a mother and her two young children had their house set on fire after a lantern became stuck on their roof.

There's also been evidence of them killing livestock which have eaten the remnants of the wire frames.

Although they may be a pretty sight when sent up into the air on a dark night, people are reminded of the dangers they pose and advised not to use them.

 

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