Fire Service Warns Of Dangers Posed By Sky Lanterns

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) is reminding the public of the risks linked to sky lanterns.

This warning comes from news that a planned event was due to happen in Nottingham later this month, however has since been cancelled.

Sky lanterns, sometimes known as Chinese lanterns, are paper-covered frames lifted into the sky by a small open flame. While they can look impressive, they present a serious risk of fire, injury, and harm to animals and the environment.

NFRS joins other fire and rescue services across the country in highlighting that sky lanterns pose unacceptable dangers in both rural and built-up areas. Even when released in what might appear to be a safe location, they can travel for miles and cause danger far from their starting point.

In other parts of the UK, animals have been severely harmed, and even died, because of sky lanterns – something we want to prevent in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Although recent rain reduces the immediate risk of lanterns igniting grass, crops, or woodland, they can still cause fires during dry spells and pose ongoing risks to wildlife, livestock, and the environment.

If a fire does occur, call 999 immediately. To help emergency services locate you quickly, the Service also advises downloading and using the free What3Words app.

While sky lanterns are not currently banned in the UK, NFRS strongly discourages their use. If people do choose to use them, we urge everyone to do so with extreme caution and to consider safer alternatives. Our safety advice can be found here.