'Boycott Chinese Lanterns', says rural support group (From Bucks Free Press)

'Boycott Chinese Lanterns', says rural support group

7:30am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News By Neil Phillips

AS bonfire night approaches, revellers in south Bucks are being urged to boycott Chinese Lanterns because of the threat of fire they pose to land, property, people, livestock and pets.

The naked flame propelled lanterns, constructed from paper, wire and bamboo, caused a car in Chalfont St Giles and tree fire in Gerrards Cross during the 2012 New Year celebrations.

And in 2011 Lane End farmer Will Lacey called for the lanterns to be banned after three of his cows suffered agonising deaths when they digested metal wire from lanterns which landed on the farm.

Country Land and Business Association South East regional director Robin Edwards 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 longer. 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.

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