With Bonfire Night celebrations planned this weekend farmers have asked people not to release sky lanterns because of the dangers to animals and farms.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is warning that sky lanterns – also known as Chinese lanterns – can injure or kill farm animals and wildlife if released in the countryside.
They are also a fire risk to crops and farm buildings and create litter.
“Please think twice before using a sky lantern this Bonfire Night,” said the NFU.
Releasing sky lanterns on public land is banned by councils across Wales but still permitting in parts of England.
The NFU is calling for a sky lantern ban and has launched an online petition to support British farming.
A farm fire was caused by a drifting lantern in North Yorkshire earlier this year and led to Redcar and Cleveland Council announcing a sky lantern ban in the area.
UK green energy company Ecotricity advised people to attend organised firework displays instead.
“They may be beautiful to look at but the risks far outweigh the benefits. The wire in the lanterns has been responsible for animals getting trapped and has even ended up in animals feed,” it added.
LSL News.