Say no to Chinese Lanterns, says CLA

As Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations approach, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in the North is urging people to boycott Chinese Lanterns.

The Association believes that the threat of fire to land, property, people, livestock and pets outweighs the aesthetic appeal of the naked flame propelled lanterns, which are constructed from paper, wire and bamboo.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “Manufacturers and importers defend their products as an environmentally friendly way for people to enjoy themselves, but it is becoming increasingly clear they are nothing more than a potential lethal fire risk.

“Other countries - including parts of China – have seen fit to ban their use as the list of problems they have caused grows ever larger. I would urge anyone considering using sky lanterns to think again. Even open countryside contains houses, farms, farmland and woodland where people’s and animals’ lives could be put at risk.”

The call from the CLA follows news that Defra is to investigate the level of risk Chinese Lanterns pose to the environment, livestock and crops.

A Defra spokesman said: "Given the concerns and complaints that are being made about the damage sky lanterns can do, we want to find out just what effect they are having on farming and the environment."