Report from Environmental Health Manager
Stockton Borough Council Policy on the release of Sky Lanterns
7th December 2016
1. Context
Concerns have been received through the Stockton Home Safety Association regarding issues resulting from the mass release of sky lanterns. There have been no incidents reported regarding the use of these lanterns in the Stockton Borough Council area, mainly due to the guidance issued discouraging mass release of sky lanterns during events for which the Council’s Events team are involved.
It has been considered appropriate for the Council to have a Policy on use of sky lanterns, to include this guidance and also prohibit the mass release of sky lanterns from Council land or Council run events.
2. Background
What are sky lanterns?
Sky lanterns are traditionally used in Chinese and Thai celebrations, flying lanterns or Chinese lanterns are also known as ‘Khoom Fay’ or ‘Khoom Loy’ and have been used for thousands of years. The lanterns can fly for six to eight minutes and it is estimated they can reach heights of more than 1,000 feet and travel up to 1 mile.
Risks associated with flying lanterns
On 1st July 2013 the Jayplas recycling plant in Smethwick, was almost completely destroyed by fire, when ten thousand tonnes of recycled supermarket packaging went up in flames due to a lit sky lantern floating onto the site, causing £6 million worth of damage. Other risks include:
- Risks to wildlife and livestock (including marine animals)
- Fire risk and damage to crops and property
- Impact on the Environment, including littering on land and at sea
- Risks to aviation
- Risk to coastal rescue services
- Risk to consumer safety
3. Sky Lantern Policy
The Event Programme Group (EPG) and Safety Advisory Group (ISAG) have discussed this issue and are happy to support a policy including a ban on the use of lanterns at Council run events. This policy will be needed in order to impose restrictions on requests that are received from event organisers/members of the public.
Stockton on Tees Borough Council does not encourage the launching and use of lanterns due to the fire hazard and risk to farm animals, wildlife and the environment.
Stockton on Tees Borough Council therefore resolves to ban the use of Sky Lanterns on any Council owned property or premises.
4. Guidance for the use of flying lanterns
Stockton on Tees Borough Council does not encourage the launching and use of lanterns by individuals or groups. If individuals wish to release sky lanterns from private land, they should note the following guidance.
- Ensure you have advised and have the permission of the landowner to release the lantern.
- Sky lanterns should not be used if any part is damaged. They should be launched by two adults - they are not suitable for children under 16 to light.
- Adults should not launch lanterns whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that could affect their level of responsibility.
- Alwayshave a fire extinguisher or water nearby when launching.
- Children and other observers should maintain a safe distance upwind of the launch area.
- Check the wind direction prior to any launch, do not launch in wind speeds in excess of 5 mph
- Avoid standing crops, especially in dry conditions
- Ensure sufficient clearance to avoid obstacles such as trees, power lines or buildings
- Do not launch in built up areas and avoid launching near roads, especially major roads or motorways
- Do not launch within 5 miles of an airport..
Contact Officer – Colin Snowdon, Environmental Health Manager
Environmental Health, Adults & Health
Tel: 01642 526555