City of Kamloops remind residents to keep sky lanterns grounded

After a sky lantern was found in a forested area near Summit Elementary, Kamloops Fire Rescue want to remind residents to keep the paper air balloons grounded.

Kamloops Fire Rescue have received numerous inquiries regarding sky lanterns in Kamloops and are reminding residents not to launch them under any circumstances.

The popular devices, often made out of paper and a small tea candle, works like an air balloon as the heat from the candle rises the lantern into the air.

Wind conditions can cause the lantern to unexpectedly crash, possibly landing on rooftops, fields, trees, or power lines before the flame is fully extinguished.

“A stunning sight at night, sky lanterns pose a huge fire hazard when released. Releasing an object and letting it fly away unattended that is technically on fire, is probably not the best idea when we live in a semi-arid desert,” said Dean Olstad, Chief of Fire Prevention.

Individuals found releasing sky lanterns within City boundaries can face fines starting at $500.

Quick facts about sky lanterns

• The lanterns are made of oiled rice paper with a bamboo frame, materials that can easily catch on fire.
• A candle or wax fuel cell is used with the device.
• The lit flame heats the inside of the lantern, causing it to rise into the air.
• Once lit and airborne, it can travel over 2km in distance.
• Wind can affect the sky lantern, blowing the sides, forcing the hot air out and sending the flaming lantern back to the ground.
• These lanterns have the potential to cause fires.
• A flaming lantern can drop onto a rooftop, field, trees or power lines before the flame is fully extinguished.
• A destructive fire can result when a flaming lantern reaches the ground during dry conditions.