Paper lanterns released into the sky in Athens

[y_p_w]

Of course I'm wondering what happens if one happens to land on a roof, tree, or whatever else might catch on fire.

https://www.mass.gov/news/sky-lantern-starts-accidental-roof-fire-at-leominster-high-school​

“Once a sky lantern is lit and airborne, there’s no controlling where it might land or what it might set on fire,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “The State Fire Code prohibits their use in Massachusetts, and their sale may violate the Consumer Protection Act. For safety’s sake, please don’t use them, and call us if you see them offered for sale.”​

 

[02SE]

It seems pretty obvious to me, that if they land on something flammable, there's a good chance of a fire being started...

 

[daves87rs]

Just a bad idea….

 

[2005jettatdi]

They go out before they land, so the chance of fire is small, but not zero. When they were legal in Washington state we used to launch them over the Columbia River and wonder if they would make it to Astoria. They never did.

 

[K-Man]

Anyone remember the song "99 Luftballons"?

 

[CleanSump]

People launch thousands of them on certain holidays in SE Asia. Never heard of a fire caused by them. They go out before they come down.

 

[y_p_w]

People launch thousands of them on certain holidays in SE Asia. Never heard of a fire caused by them. They go out before they come down.

Oh, they’ve set brush, buildings, and even laundry on fire.

 

[mk378]

They're definitely a hazard. It's easy for a gust of wind or a malfunction to bring one down on fire.

 

[Blueshound]

Edmund Scientific used to sell these as a kit / science experiment to show hot air rises. How many hours I spent poring through those catalogs!