Chinese lanterns are banned at Glastonbury Festival
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have joined up with Michael Eavis to remind the public that Chinese lanterns are banned from the Glastonbury Festival.
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "Chinese lanterns look spectacular but create a very real fire risk. Once launched there is no control over where they might land and can cause fires and harm livestock.
"Even when the flames have gone out the fuel cell can glow for several minutes and have the potential to start a fire wherever they land at the festival. The hot glowing embers can also fall as they fly landing on everyone below."
Michael Eavis said: "For several years now we have banned them being sold at the festival, but people still bring them on site within all their camping gear.
“I have two main concerns regarding the lanterns; the first being the risk of fire, as the still burning lanterns could fall within the many acres of closely erected tents, if they were ever to land on a tent they could start a fire that would set off a domino effect, causing rapid fire spread and endangering lives.
"The second is a longer term consequence and the cause of many complaints from neighbouring landowners. The lanterns can land on grass in farmers’ fields which is made into hay & silage for winter fodder and fed to cattle, the operation of cutting and collecting the grass will chop the wire or bamboo frame of the lantern into needle sized pieces. These will be digested by the animals into their stomach possibly resulting in a slow and painful death. I have had two cattle killed in this way at Worthy Farm.
“The ban of the lanterns is for a reason. Hopefully this information will deter anyone from bringing them onto site this year."
The fire service says: "The lanterns are often seen as a gentler alternative to fireworks, but the potential risks they carry are high and although they are not banned - there is already a complete ban on the lanterns in Germany and Australia - Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service does not recommend their use."
