Chinese lanterns – a pest or a pleasure?

With the festive season upon us, it is important to remember that not just fireworks can be a hazard.
Many residents question the legality and safety of Chinese lanterns.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said, “Chinese lanterns are not covered [by] the City’s fireworks bylaws – that’s why we do not allow them because they create a floating flame while in use, which can be dangerous.” He further explained that one cannot determine where they may land, which could be on a flammable surface and cause huge flames.
Due to the popularity of the lanterns for birthdays, weddings and festivals, Mulaudzi comments that the City’s Events Section has already submitted, an “amendment to the bylaws so that it can be covered from the bylaws’ side, even though the jurisdiction will be regulated by the South African Police Service Explosives Act”.
Chinese lanterns are essentially small hot air balloons made of paper with an opening at the bottom where a tea light is suspended.
The City of Johannesburg has supplied a few safety tips when using these lanterns:
1. Fire risk: They can cause fires at certain times of the year when vegetation and weather conditions have made sites vulnerable to fires – we have been experiencing a lot of extremely hot temperatures lately which might add to the vulnerability of fires.
2. Choose a wide open space and ensure that there are no obstacles close to the launch site like buildings, trees and overhead cables .
3. Have water, sand or a fire extinguisher at hand.
4. Do not launch near sites where there may be flammable liquids or gasses.
5. Ensure that all involved in lighting and launching the lanterns are over 18 years – children should not light, launch, or play with lanterns.

What do you think?
Should Chinese lanterns be illegal?
Are you worried about their final destination?
Details: City of Johannesburg, 0860 562 874 or Ambulance, Fire Department and JMPD, 011 375 5911 or 10177 .