South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue issue warning over sky lanterns

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue have urged members of the public to avoid setting off sky lanterns during tonight’s clap for carers.
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Fire services across the country have described the lanterns as a ‘fire risk’, which can cause wildfires, affect wildlife and damage crops. There is concern that having to deal with fires caused by sky lanterns could put additional, unnecessary strain on emergency services, including the NHS should anyone get injured.

South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue said the lanterns could cause a “significant fire”.

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They tweeted: “A better, safer way to show your support is to simply stay at home!”

Fire crews in the county are already having to battle with fires deliberately started by arsonists. The service said it dealt with six incidents last night, of which they believe only one was not arson.

In another tweet, the service said: “Stay home. Test your smoke alarms. Don't have garden fires. Don't set off sky lanterns.”