“Serious concerns” have been raised about plans to launch hundreds of sky lanterns into The Chilterns amid the current “tinder dry” conditions that has seen dozens of field fires break out as temperatures soar.

The controversial Lights Fest, which sees thousands of people launching paper lanterns into the air while enjoying live music and dancing, will come to the Culden Faw estate in Henley on August 4.

Following dozens of field fires in the Bucks area since the heatwave began, the Chilterns Conservation Board has admitted it is worried about the impact the lantern festival could have on wildlife and crops.

A huge blaze caused devastation in Little Marlow on July 2, destroying around 30 acres of crops and a farmer’s home and livelihood. The village suffered a second fire on July 9, with around one acre affected, and a fire broke out in a field on Quarrendon Farm Lane in Amersham, just hours later.

Over the weekend, 50 square metres of tree scrub was found alight in Chalfont St Peter on July 7 and on July 6, an acre of crops were alight in Potkiln Lane in Jordans.

Neil Jackson, conservation and landscape officer for Chilterns Conservation Board, highlighted how Chinese lanterns pose a dangerous fire risk – as well as potentially harming wildlife – at a time where the dry weather has already made conditions considerably more hazardous.

He said: “In recent years, many people have included Chinese lanterns in their celebrations.

“Unfortunately, as a direct result, cows have died after eating lantern wires buried in grass and hay, wild animals have become entangled in discarded lanterns and there have been reports of fires caused when the lanterns blow into dried grass and crops.

“Lights Fest’s website says that at as an organisation they are ‘dedicated to leaving a positive impact on the environment’ with all kites being biodegradable, low flight and collected by cleaning crews.

“We have no experience of events run by Lights Fest and how successful they are in achieving their sustainability goals.

“However, especially in the current tinder dry conditions, the Chilterns Conservation Board has serious concerns that such a large scale event could pass without risk of harm to Chilterns countryside, wildlife and property.”

Organisers of the Lights Fest have applied for a licence for live and recorded music. A spokesman for Wycombe District Council said: “We are in discussion with the organisers and the venue about all relevant safety aspects pending the application going to the licensing panel at the end of the month.”

Organisers have been approached for comment.