Bunyip State Forest Feb 2009

As August 2009 came to a close, consumer affairs minister in Australia, Craig Emerson, issued a ban on the supply and sale of Chinese Lanterns (or Sky Lanterns) as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of bush fires in the region.

No one could forget the horrific fires in february of this year- now referred to as ‘Black Saturday‘- which claimed the lives of almost 200 people and caused injury to over 400, in the state of Victoria, Australia. These fires were down to a number of unfortunate factors colliding all at the same instant; a group of arsonists allegedly started some of the fires, SP AusNet- a company which provides electricity to areas of Victoria were also investigated as one of their power lines collapsed, and finally weather conditions (of which global warming is partially to blame) were extreme, with temperatures reaching a record breaking 38 degrees.

None of these factors in isolation would have been enough to reap the havoc that took place on that blackest of days, but together they were a recipe for absolute catastrophe. It is of course only right that every step possible  should be taken to alleviate any unnecessary fire risk, like banning chinese lanterns. But, we would like to stress that used in the kind of climate we have here in the United Kingdom, our wish lanterns are perfectly safe and shouldn’t be a cause for concern, as long as they are handled with care. And that’s all they require;- like ovens, like matches, like balloons, or any other potentially hazardous object (most things)- a little care and caution.

Here are a few reminders to make sure that your lantern remains a source of joy and delight, and not a potential threat:

- Make sure weather conditions are good- no blustery winds, no showers, no unpredictability.

- Check the wind direction- again to avert the unexpected.

- light your lantern in an open space- not near or in a built up forest area or bush, airport, or any other place where their flight path could be obstructed or where they could cause a distraction.

Handle with Care

- Light your lantern with the help of a partner- this prevents any possibility of scorching the rice paper body of the lantern.

- Don’t smoke or drink whilst lighting the lantern- and don’t be intoxicated when handling it (never a good idea!)

- It’s probably best not to allow young children to handle them either.

Many of these points are just common sense, and precautions you’d take when going about most activities. You wouldn’t drive a car in extreme weather conditions, when drunk, when there are obstacles in the way, and you certainly wouldn’t let young children get behind the wheel. That doesn’t mean you should abstain from driving altogether though…

Wishlantern.co.uk is your leading supplier of Chinese Lanterns for weddings and celebrations. To find out more about safety precautions to take when handling the lanterns, simply follow the link or call 0845 500 1215 or email the team on sales@wishlantern.co.uk for further advice.

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