News: July 2013

Date posted: 17/07/13

Press Release on Chinese Lanterns

NORTHERN FARMERS & LANDOWNERS GROUP SAYS TIME IS UP FOR CHINESE LANTERNS

The news that the massive Smethwick fire in the West Midlands was most likely caused by a Chinese Lantern surely must hasten a ban on their use, says Angus Collingwood-Cameron of the Northern Farmers & Landowners Group (NFLG). “As a representative of the land based sector in the North East and Chairman of the Northumberland Fire Group, I have been seeking controls on the sale and use of Chinese Lanterns, also known as Sky Lanterns, for quite some time.”

“Out in the countryside, their destructive, fire starting abilities are well known and feared by anybody managing dry vegetation. It is not long ago that there was a serious wildfire in the Holy Island National Nature Reserve, which was started by one of these menaces. In addition, they are also capable of killing cattle as the wire frames can be incorporated into silage. Now that 100,000 tonnes of waste plastic has been torched in a populated area, with associated pollution, cost and the risk of deploying 200 fire fighters, perhaps Government will finally act.

“This view is supported by an ADAS report into the subject which was commissioned by Defra. Chinese Lanterns are a dangerous nuisance and should be banned. Those that are irresponsible enough to release them should be held accountable for the results.”

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