Hi Everyone,
After watching "Tangled" both my kids said they wanted to do the lanterns. So I looked on Amazon and sure enough they sell them so I ordered a pack because I thought it would be really fun to do with as a family one night. Only problem is I'm not sure where to do it because of a possible fire hazard. It seems to me the only safe place would be in the middle of the ocean somewhere. Has anyone used them before? Do the wicks go out easily before they would hit the ground? They are 40 inch rice paper lanterns. There weren't really any directions with package.
Thanks!
Here's the link to the ones I ordered:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001T8G4T8/ref=oh_o02_s0...
I'm also planning on doing it in the winter so it will be cold and most likely damp. Thanks for the feedback so far :)
The fire in the sky lantern heats up the air in it, and lowers the density of the lantern... that's why it floats. It will come down only when the flame goes out. There ARE possible fire hazards, but it's only a minor possibility, and the lanterns are fire retardant. DH has a Chinese friend who lets his kids play with paper lanterns during Chinese festivals. There's never been a fire hazard as long as I can recall.
We do these a lot in the summer at our campground, there has never been a problem with fires that I know of. As long as you release them properly, and that can be hard to do, it should be ok.
Most of those sold in stores are for hanging on the ceiling with a lightbulb and cord.
Link to the ones you bought in the "So what happened" and maybe we can help you figure it out.
Check your local fire code as to whether they are legal in your area and use common sense as to where/when to let them go. We do see them here quite frequently for special occasions like July 4th and NYE and I haven't seen any reports on fire issues.
I know of a few people that tethered them with balloon string, obviously not fail safe but maybe worth a thought...
Also you could consider floating lanterns instead that you release onto a lake or pond... Also very pretty and popular...
Good luck.
