May 27, 2009
2009-07
FLYING LANTERNS POSE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD
The Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has recently been made aware of the
existence of a consumer product that poses a serious fire safety hazard. The
Flying Lantern (also known as a sky lantern) is currently being sold by Canadian
online distributors of fireworks products and at retail stores.
The product resembles a small paper hot-air balloon, fuelled by an open flame.
When released, the hot air produced by the fuel source can lift the lantern to
extreme heights and allows it to drift for long distances until the fuel is
depleted. These lanterns are often released in large numbers to generate an
impressive visual effect.
The OFM has learned that, due to their uncontrolled and unpredictable flight
path, they can land on trees, building rooftops, or other combustible properties
while still ignited and potentially cause a fire. There have also been reports
of lantern releases near airports causing lengthy flight delays. Concerns
regarding the lanterns have resulted in this product being banned in certain
parts of Asia.
The OFM has written to Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Bureau to request
that it take the necessary actions to prevent this product from being sold in
Canada. In the meantime, fire departments should caution members of their
community about the potential fire hazards associated with the Flying Lantern.
Retailers who sell this product should also be encouraged to remove it from
their store shelves.
For enquiries regarding the Flying Lantern and potential fire hazards, please
contact the OFM by telephone at (416) 325‑3100.
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