Pelham Fire Services is reminding residents that flying paper lanterns (also known as sky lanterns) are a potential fire hazard, particularly during the current hot and humid weather conditions.
On September 1, 2015 Pelham Fire Services was notified by a concerned resident on a rural property on Sumbler Road, who had found approximately 15 large flying lanterns on his property.
This property is a farm with a fuel tank, combustible (wooden) buildings including a home and animal shelter, straw, and (due to current weather conditions) dry vegetation including pine trees – all of these could have caught fire with potentially lethal results.
Residents are cautioned to avoid using the flying lanterns due to the potential fire hazards and safety risks.
Flying lanterns are lanterns made out of a thin paper bag with a wick at the open end. The hot air from the lit wick makes the lantern rise into the air, and it will float away on a breeze. As there is no control over where these lanterns will eventually land, they are considered a fire hazard. In 2012, the Ontario Fire Marshal issued a communique outlining the hazards and expressing their concerns.
(Sample photo for information purposes only.)
If anyone finds flying lanterns or has further questions, please contact the Fire Prevention Officer.
For more information, please contact:
Saskia Holditch, Fire Prevention Officer
(905) 892-2607 ext. 202
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