Fire service warns sky lanterns 'pose significant threat'

A campaign encouraging the public to light sky lanterns in a show of solidarity for NHS workers could place unnecessary pressure on the emergency services, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has warned.

The campaign, which calls for the public to release lanterns from gardens and driveways in support for the NHS, follows the popular Clap for Our Carers campaign.

It comes days after SFRS stressed that Scotland’s countryside is vulnerable to wildfire, and as the emergency services continue to protect the public amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Alasdair Perry, SFRS deputy assistant chief officer, said: “We fully appreciate that people want to show their support for the NHS, but we must discourage the lighting of sky lanterns.

“These lanterns may look striking when lit, but when released they pose a significant threat of fire and can have devastating consequences – for rural environments, property and wildlife.

“This is clearly a challenging time for the emergency services due to Covid-19, and while the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service maintains a high resilience across Scotland, we would seek to avoid any unnecessary demand on our service so we can target our resources most effectively in supporting our partners and meeting the needs of Scotland’s communities.

“Traditionally, this is a period when we see a high volume of large wildfires in Scotland, due to a build-up of dead vegetation in our countryside, and rising temperatures. We can’t risk adding a potential ignition to that mix.

“While I fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, I would encourage them to find a different way to do this.

“Our message is clear – please do not release lit sky lanterns, and risk potentially placing unnecessary pressure on the emergency services.”

The message from the fire and rescue service came after NFU Scotland called on emergency services, local authorities and politicians to support a ban on sky lanterns.

The union criticised the idea of a mass release as reckless and urged members of the public to look at other ways of recognising the efforts of frontline health workers.

With much of Scotland tinder-dry, and the wildfire risk at its highest possible level, the potential for widespread fire is high.

NFUS says lanterns are a serious fire risk to farm buildings, which may house hay and straw, or other flammable products. They also pose a threat to animal health if they land on farms as the frame material can get mixed up into feed, such as silage or grain, and be accidentally digested by livestock – the effects of which can be fatal.

Union president Andrew McCornick said: “It is unbelievable and totally unacceptable that companies are encouraging the public to demonstrate support for our hard-working frontline services by something that is at a high risk of increasing the burden on them.

“The wildfire danger assessment in Scotland for the coming days is extreme – land, buildings and property will also be placed at risk by these items and animal health will be compromised should they land on farms.

“This must be stopped."

• Wildfire warning as countryside remains 'vulnerable'

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