CLA urges bonfire night organisers to ban sky lanterns

The CLA is calling for a ban on sky lanterns

The CLA (Country Land and Business Association) is once again urging local authorities, community groups and private individuals staging Bonfire Night displays not to release sky lanterns. Ideally, banning them altogether.

The CLA also encourages farmers and land owners hosting bonfires to take extra care on their land, especially in the vicinity of farm buildings, hay barns and other highly combustible areas on their land.

CLA Director North Dorothy Fairburn said: “While Bonfire Night offers a chance for people to enjoy themselves at one of the many organised displays across the region, we would like them to do this without releasing sky lanterns.

“Releasing a naked flame with absolutely no control over where it will land is a serious threat to rural businesses, livestock, wildlife and the environment. Following this year’s drought and resulting winter livestock feed shortages, any risks to hay or straw could be catastrophic with a winter that promises to be challenging.”

“An increasing number of local authorities are banning the release of lanterns from council-owned land, and we hope the Government will take note of a growing desire to see the use of these flying bonfires banned outright.”

“Prevention is better than cure, and safety should be a primary consideration for those hosting bon fires.”  

Earlier this month, Rochdale Borough Council pledged a ban on the lanterns over safety concerns.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123213/ban-on-chinese-lanterns-over-safety-fears

In case of a fire, the public is advised not to try and tackle the fire themselves, and to alert the emergency services on the 999 number, stating as accurately as possible, the location of such a fire.