The Flying Lantern is the latest consumer product to be sold alongside fireworks in retail stores and on online distribution websites. Posing similar risks of property damage and fire loss as fireworks, the Ontario Fire Marshal is strongly discouraging Ontarians from purchasing or using Flying Lanterns.
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, Ontario fire departments have been advised to caution members of their communities about the potential fire hazards associated with the Flying Lantern. Retailers who sell this product have been encouraged to remove these flying lanterns from their store shelves.
In addition to the Flying Lanterns, Ontarians are also being urged again to attend fireworks displays hosted by their municipalities. The message comes at a time when some municipalities in Ontario are cancelling events due to labour disputes.
QUOTES
“The Flying Lantern resembles a small paper hot-air balloon and is fuelled by an open flame (candle) which allows it to lift to extreme heights and to drift for long distances until the flame goes out,” said Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. “Due to their uncontrolled and unpredictable flight path, the lanterns can land on trees, building rooftops, or other combustible materials while still burning and potentially cause a fire.”“When it comes to fireworks, there are many municipalities in Ontario that will be hosting fireworks displays with experts who are trained to handle and discharge fireworks safely,” says Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke. “For everyone else, fireworks can be extremely dangerous. For this reason, family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays are not recommended.”
QUICK FACTS
- If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood display, check with your local fire department about regulations regarding fireworks.
- Appoint a responsible adult to be in charge of discharging fireworks. Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging. Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
- Keep sparklers away from children
LEARN MORE
To get more information about fireworks and Flying Lanterns, visit www.ofm.gov.on.ca and download the Fireworks Safety Tips fact sheet or Flying Lanterns Communique.
Fireworks Safety Tips
From the Office of the Fire Marshal
- To minimize the risk of fire and burn injury, the fire service does not recommend family fireworks or informal neighbourhood displays.
- The fire service recommends attending public fireworks displays hosted by your municipality or other responsible organization.
- If you still choose to have a family fireworks or an informal neighbourhood
display, check with your local fire department about regulations regarding
fireworks. Here are some important safety tips to be followed:
- Appoint a responsible person to be in charge. Only adults who are aware of the hazards and essential safety precautions should handle and discharge fireworks.
- Carefully read and follow the label directions on fireworks packaging.
- Always keep a water hose or pail of water close by when discharging fireworks.
- Discharge fireworks well away from combustible materials like buildings, trees and dry grass.
- Keep onlookers a safe distance away, upwind from the area where fireworks are discharged.
- Light only one firework at a time and only when they are on the ground. Never try to light a firework in your hand or re-light dud fireworks. For dud fireworks, it is best to wait 30 minutes and soak them in a bucket of water. Dispose of them in a metal container.
- Discharge fireworks only if wind conditions do not create a safety hazard.
- Keep sparklers away from children. Sparklers burn extremely hot and can ignite clothing, cause blindness and result in severe burns. As the sparkler wire remains hot for some minutes after burnout, it should be immediately soaked in water to avoid injury.
- If someone gets burned, run cool water over the wound for three to five minutes and seek medical attention, if necessary.
- Due to the public fire safety hazard, the Ontario fire service is strongly discouraging the public from purchasing or using Flying Lanterns, which resemble small, paper, hot air balloons, fuelled by an ignited wax candle. This product has the potential to land on trees, building rooftops or other property while still ignited and can result in a severe fire.
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Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Bev Gilbert,
Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178
