Islanders are being encouraged NOT to light sky lanterns in a show of solidarity for NHS staff as they pose a real fire hazard.
Social media campaigns have been encouraging people up and down the country to light up the night sky with lanterns as a mark of respect to those fighting the COVID-19 battle. However, such behaviour could put individuals and livestock at risk, as well as posing a massive risk to our beautiful countryside.
Fire chiefs have been very vocal in their discouragement of the campaign, with the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service also saying on Twitter this morning “please don’t use Sky Lanterns to support the NHS”. The message is clear.
As well as the risk of fire damage to the countryside and properties, responding to emergencies – no matter how big or small – puts an added strain on the fire service.
Islanders are being encouraged to take part in the #ClapforourCarers event every Thursday evening instead.
Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, Roy Wilsher, has said:
“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.
“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.”
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The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents land and farm owners across the Isle of Wight, echos the concerns raised.
Mark Bridgeman, President of the CLA, says:
“There is simply no responsible way to use them. They can kill animals, litter the countryside and start fires, especially as the moorland is extremely dry at the moment which could spark another national emergency.
“Releasing a naked flame, with absolutely no control over where it will land, is a serious threat to rural businesses, livestock, wildlife and the environment.”
Jeez.
Some new stupid idea for all the simple Faecebook sheep to follow.
Akin to throwing lighted matches into the countryside. Remember when the news was full of burn animals in Oz?
You would think that the publicity over the years about the dangers of these lanterns would have got through by now. Morons.
best not land in me hay barn, orfan lambs joined next to it now, more danger an damege from they chinease I spects made there an all.
These bloody things should be banned. They are dangerous to farm animals if ingested and of course they can easily start fires. Rubbish made in China. Avoid these at all costs.
Another man made danger from China
Come my man, their takeaway food is not that bad……..
Or do you mean the CV? or the plastic tat that never fails to disappoint but hey it’s cheap so we keep buying it anyway
And what about the idiots letting off fireworks at 8 when it’s not even dark, all they’re achieving is freaking out people’s pets, thoughtless
Mothers cat messed behind the sofa because of the shock of the fireworks, she old and had to clean it up her self as live alone. Thoughtless