Firefighters issue safety warning!
Warwickshire County Councils Fire and Rescue Service are issuing a fire safety warning after a resident had a near miss with a Chinese lantern.
The lantern, which was lit before landing on a farm in Mappleborough Green, near Studley fell just meters away from stacks of hay and livestock.
On this occasion the farmer was lucky, but had the wind been going in a different direction, it could have been a very different story.
Chinese lanterns have become increasingly popular over the last few years which is why they are now used not only to celebrate Chinese New Year, but also for parties and special occasions such as weddings.
Once lit, there is no control over which direction the lanterns will go in or where they will land. This can be particularly dangerous when used in rural areas where farmers often store gas cylinders or easily ignitable sources such as hay.
Area Risk Manager for Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service, Jon Dixon said:
“This incident highlights the potential dangers faced when using paper Chinese lanterns. On this occasion the farmer was lucky, but it could have been a very different story had the lantern landed on the bales of hay. Had a fire been started, it could put lives at risk and may have even killed livestock.”
If you are considering using lanterns to celebrate, then there are guidelines to follow.
· Do not use them near farm land, buildings with thatched roofs, areas of dense woodland or near materials that may catch fire.
· Do not use if wind speed is above 5mph
· Keep an extinguisher or bucket of water nearby
· Do not launch on your own
· If the lantern’s paper does catch fire, extinguish and discard.
· Only use in open spaces
· Don’t forget, it is your responsibility to dispose of the lanterns once used.
Jon continued:
“We really don’t want to spoil people’s celebrations, but residents do need to be aware of the potential issues they could cause should a lantern land in the wrong place.”
For further information on fire safety log onto http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/fireandrescue