Sky lanterns raise fears of accidental fires

The National Rural Fire Authority fears use of sky lanterns for private or public celebrations this summer could cause fires.

National Rural Fire Officer Murray Dudfield said yesterday there had been one known instance this year of a fire caused by a sky lantern setting a pine plantation alight in Northland.

He was particularly concerned that the lanterns may be sold in large numbers during Chinese New Year celebrations, which start on February 14.

"Many parts of the country are very dry now and it will be worse later in summer," Mr Dudfield said.

The National Rural Fire Authority had begun alerting suppliers to the dangers the lanterns pose.

In rural areas where there was a fire ban or a fire restriction in place people wanting to use sky lanterns would need to apply for a permit.

It was unlikely one would be granted, he said.

The sky lanterns, also known as flying lanterns or Chinese lanterns, work on the same principle as a hot air balloon and are powered by a tea-light candle which heats up the air inside the paper lantern.

They can fly for several kilometres and reach heights of around 800m.

This month police phone lines around the country, and especially the Coromandel Peninsula, were running hot with calls from people reporting night-time distress flares, which turned out to be the lanterns.

Mr Dudfield said they were simply not suitable for the New Zealand environment.

"These flying lanterns are designed for use in calm wind conditions in wide open spaces, which are a rarity here."

- NZPA