Religious Festivals

Sky lanterns have become increasingly popular for celebrating weddings, Diwali and bonfire night. But once a lantern is lit and released, there is no control over its direction or where it lands – and this could have serious consequences.

Flying lanterns are also known as wish lanterns or sky lanterns.

Traditional flying lanterns have been used for thousands of years in both Chinese and Thai celebrations but are becoming more popular worldwide for celebrating weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special event.

The lanterns are generally made from paper supported by a wire frame with a holder at the bottom for a solid fuel cell. The paper outer may or may not be fire retardant.

The dangers of using flying lanterns

Whilst flying lanterns are a popular and beautiful sight, the potential damage they can cause is significant:

• Lighting and launch are mostly in the control of the user, however, the actual flight path and destination are usually not – flying times suggested by manufacturers vary from 6 minutes up to 20 minutes with heights claimed to be up to 1 mile
• There is no guarantee that the fuel cell will be completely out and cooled when the lantern eventually lands – any contact with a flammable surface could start a fire
• There is evidence of flying lanterns causing serious fires, wasting police time, being mistaken for distress flares, misleading aircraft and killing livestock
• The risk of these things happening will only increase if more use is made of these lanterns, therefore we urge you to think twice before using them.

Make sure you also read our top tips below on fireworks, candles, and cooking safely during Chinese New Year celebrations.

For those celebrating Chinese New Year family feasts, fireworks and sky lanterns are common traditions but we want to make sure you celebrate safely.

Please follow our top tips

• Sky lanterns – Although we realise traditional sky lanterns (flying lanterns) are part of Chinese culture, unfortunately they can cause significant damage so we would urge you to please avoid using these as part of your new year celebrations. Sky Lanterns pose a threat for several reasons: they are a danger to wildlife, fire risk, aviation hazard, and litter nuisance.
• Fireworks – We know that fireworks are often used to mark Chinese New Year but please make sure you know how to use these safely and always follow the fireworks code. 
• Cooking – We want you to enjoy indulging in traditional dishes and delicacies as part of your new year celebrations but want to remind you to never leave your cooking unattended.

Known as the Festival of Lights some celebrate by burning a lamp or candle throughout the day.

Protect you, your family, and property check your smoke alarm

• Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted to every level of your home.

Candle light advice

• Make sure candles are secured in a candle holder and away from anything that could catch fire, like curtains, ornaments or loose clothing such as saris.
• Put candles/oil lamps out before you leave a room and before you go to bed. If you plan to burn a candle/lamp all day, then ensure someone is always in the room
• Never leave children or pets alone with burning candles or oil burners

Cooking safely tips

• Never leave cooking unattended
• Switch off the oven and hob when you have finished cooking and take pans off the heat

The symbolic Christingle used during Advent in Christian denominations comes with a level of risk but if used responsibly can add a wonderful effect to your Advent celebrations.

Please follow our top tips

• A responsible adult should be with any children with Christingles always
• An adult should light the candle for a child and extinguish the light after use
• Ensure the candle is firmly fitted into your orange and can’t be knocked easily
• Ensure any decoration on the orange isn’t too close to the flame
• Children should tie their hair back and wear fitted clothes to avoid their hair or clothes catching
• Ensure a water supply is available and the church’s fire extinguishers are maintained