Fire service campaigns on risks of Chinese lanterns

Devon and Somerset's fire and rescue service has spoken about its campaign on the dangers of Chinese lanterns following the huge fire at a recycling plant in Smethwick in the West Midlands on Monday (1 July) which is believed to have been started by a lantern.

In a statement, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that it "has been campaigning on the dangers of flying lanterns since 2009":

"We have been working with the National Farmers Union and Michael Eavis. Focusing on not only the fire risk they create but also the added dangers to the farming communities in terms of the damage they cause to crops and cattle."

The Service has highlighted last weekend's Glastonbury Festival - where Chinese lanterns were banned - as an example of the work it has been doing to limit the potential fire risk of the lanterns:

"At the Glastonbury Festival we have been working alongside Michael Eavis to remind festival goers that Chinese Lanterns are banned. The campaign has proved successful with only one lantern being reported this year compared to vast numbers being released in previous years.

"Once a lantern is launched there is no control over where it might land. Even when the flames have gone out the fuel cell can glow for several minutes and have the potential to start a fire. The hot glowing embers can also fall as they fly, landing on everyone below."

Michael Eavis said: "For several years now we have banned them being sold at the festival, but people still bring them on site within all their camping gear.

“I have two main concerns regarding the lanterns, the first being the risk of fire, as the still burning lanterns could fall within the many acres of closely erected tents, if they were ever to land on a tent they could start a fire that would set off a domino effect, causing rapid fire spread and endangering lives.

"The second is a longer term consequence and the cause of many complaints from neighbouring landowners. The lanterns can land on grass in farmers’ fields which is made into hay & silage for winter fodder and fed to cattle, the operation of cutting and collecting the grass will chop the wire or bamboo frame of the lantern into needle sized pieces. These will be digested by the animals into their stomach possibly resulting in a slow and painful death. I have had two cattle killed in this way at Worthy Farm. The ban of the lanterns is for a reason.”

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue continued: "The lanterns are often seen as a gentler alternative to fireworks, but the potential risks they carry are high and although they are not banned - there is already a complete ban on the lanterns in Germany and Australia - Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service would not recommend their use.

"The One Show in 2011 featured the dangers of the lanterns which included Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Michael Eavis being interviewed – please follow the link."