LOCAL authorities which have not yet banned the release of sky lanterns from their land are being urged to act now in order to protect residents, businesses and the environment from the serious risks posed by the lanterns in the run up to Bonfire Night, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The call comes from the CLA in the South West, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, and which wants to see local authorities throughout the region make sure the sale and release of lanterns on their property is outlawed.

CLA South West Director, John Mortimer said: “The fire risks associated with releasing sky lanterns is significant, posing a threat to homes, businesses and lives in both urban and rural areas - add to that the proven risks to livestock and wildlife and there is a compelling case for a ban.”

The CLA campaign to have sky lanterns banned has been running for more than three years and is supported by the RNLI, The Chief Fire Officers Association, and Local Government Association (LGA).

A handful of local authorities across the South West have already taken the decision to ban lanterns and Mr Mortimer said that if other authorities were to follow suit, it would send a strong message to the public that this is a very important issue which requires serious action.

He said: “It would be a real boost if all councils backed our stance and helped ensure that someone’s home, property, business or life isn’t destroyed by one of these flying bonfires.”

The organisation has also requested that councils remove any guidance on websites detailing the safest way to light and release a lantern, and instead replace it with information on the dangers of releasing them and a plea to the public to reconsider their use.

He added: “We strongly object to any guidance that suggests there is a safe way to light and release these lanterns, because the safest thing to do is not to light them at all. They pose an enormous fire risk, and endanger the lives of both humans and animals.

“Even after it has finished flaming, the fuel cell of a lantern can register a spot temperature of more than 200°C – and even after two minutes it can be around the 100°C mark.

"Lanterns landing or crossing fields can panic livestock, but the biggest concern to farmers is that their animals can suffer a slow, agonising death if they ingest debris from spent lanterns.”

Alan Quick