Sky lanterns a silent New Year's delight that can cause fires

Sky lanterns, or airborne paper lanterns, may be mesmerizing to behold but could also be a fire hazard, the Bureau of Fire Protection has warned. At least one holiday fire is being blamed on a stray sky lantern, which usually has a small flame that makes it rise into the heavens, a silent glowing delight in a dark night. But a fire official said that a sky lantern can land on a flammable surface and cause a fire. Those who light sky lanterns may be held criminally liable. The fire that killed seven people on Christmas Day in Barangay Bungad, Quezon City is being blamed on a sky lantern.

 

"Delikado kasi yan, dahil ang sky lantern hindi natin alam saan posible [mapunta], di natin alam ang ihip ng hangin. Ang BFP dini-discourage natin yan," BFP Metro Manila Chief Inspector Renato Marcial said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He said those who really want to see the sky lanterns should let experts handle them, ideally in wide open spaces far from power lines or flammable structures, and not during windy conditions. Sky lanterns have been popular in Thailand for years, but have only recently been catching on in the Philippines.  

The BFP is bracing for fires during the New Year revelry, especially during New Year's Eve.

 

It has been conducting information drives on how to prevent fires, and has also been conducting inspection of fireworks vendors.

 

Last Christmas Day, at least seven people were killed in fires that hit residential areas in San Juan and Quezon City.

 

Marcial warned those who light sky lanterns they may be held criminally liable if the lanterns accidentally cause fires.

 

"Kung sila ang maging kausa ng sunog pwede sila makasuhan diyan (If those who light the sky lanterns cause a fire, they can be charged criminally)," he said.  — ELR/HS, GMA News