By Councils nationwide say no to NHS lantern tributes
Councils nationwide are urging residents to refrain from dangerous activities including lighting sky lanterns, burning garden waste and lighting bonfires ahead of a tribute campaign to thank the NHS using sky lanterns.
The paper balloons, which are used across the world to mark special occasions and as tributes, are well known for the fire risk they pose, as well as the dangers to wildlife though ingestion or entanglement.
The lanterns have already been banned by several councils across the country.
Councils and fire services have also requested that Britons consider the risk to themselves and their neighbours before burning household or garden waste during the current pandemic. They have suggested that smoke from bonfires might be both a nuisance and a health risk.
Matt King, Integrated Risk Manager, said:
“Lanterns are a fire hazard, pose a risk to livestock, agriculture, thatched properties and hazardous material sites.
“All emergency services are currently under increased pressure due to Covid-19.
“We believe the suggestion that people should set off highly flammable lanterns should be highly discouraged and we are asking the public to look for alternative ways to show their support for our fantastic NHS colleagues.”
The warning comes after some encouraged people to light sky lanterns as a further show of appreciation for the efforts of NHS workers during this difficult period, as part of the weekly ‘Clap for our Carers’.
Chairman for the National Fire Chiefs Council, Roy Wilsher, described the campaign, as “misguided”. He added:
“While I fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, I would encourage people to find a different way to do this.
“We do not advocate the use of sky lanterns and we do not believe they should be used under any circumstances.
“All emergency services are currently under unprecedented pressure due to Covid-19, and I am concerned this type of activity could not only put additional pressure on the fire service, but further strain on the NHS.
“If a sky lantern causes a fire, it could see firefighters spending valuable time dealing with what could be a complex and large-scale incident; time which could be spent supporting vulnerable people in the community, as part of the fire services response to Covid-19.”
Children across the country have created rainbow drawings to show their support for the nation’s key workers.
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