With the Chinese New Year underway, make fire safety a priority and avoid the use of sky lanterns.
They are a serious fire risk as you do not know where they will end up. They pose fire risks and other risks to crops, vehicles, livestock, and the environment. Many local councils have even banned their use on public land.
For this reason, the Fire Kills campaign and Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service are encouraging people in Derbyshire to take care if a sky lantern must be used.
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service offers these top tips:
• Keep the launch area clear of flammable materials
• Children and other observers must maintain a safe distance upwind of the launch
• Do not attempt to launch damaged lanterns
• Do not smoke or drink whilst handling lanterns
• Ensure enough clearance to avoid obstacles such as trees, power lines or buildings
• Avoid launching near roads, especially major roads or motorways
• Avoid crops, especially in dry conditions
• Do not launch within five miles of any airport
• Do not launch in wind speeds in excess of 5 mph
• Check wind direction before launch
• Be aware of any other local conditions that could affect launch or landing safety such as thatched buildings, crops or dry heathland
• Do not tie anything to the lantern as this may cause instability which could lead to the lantern igniting.
For more information, see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safetywhen-celebrating or visit: www.fireengland.uk/fire-safety.
