A RESIDENT in Poole is urging people to remember the dangers of releasing a Chinese lantern into the sky – as parts of the county remain dry and hot. 

On Monday, July 18, Gay Pulman was sat outside in her garden when she noticed a bright orange glow in the sky. 

Upon closer inspection, she realised it was a Chinese lantern which somebody had released. 

Mrs Pulman said she was “quite shocked” as lanterns can be a “dangerous thing at the best of times”. 

Bournemouth Echo: Chinese lantern spotted by Mrs PulmanChinese lantern spotted by Mrs Pulman

She added: “It’s very dangerous in this heat to release a lantern and I was quite worried it would land Canford Heath. 

“It’s terrible to see, especially when you see all these fires on the news in this country and abroad. 

“I don’t think people even contemplate the danger – there are a lot of people who don’t have common sense anymore. 

“People should be more thoughtful. It could ruin homes and heathlands.” 

Bournemouth Echo: Mrs Pulman was worried about Canford Heath setting on fire againMrs Pulman was worried about Canford Heath setting on fire again (Image: Daily Echo)

More than 200,000 sky lanterns are sold and used every year in the UK, and BCP Council banned lanterns and helium balloons on council land in 2020. 

BCP Council said: “We are aware that sky lanterns are often used amongst celebrations or memorial events, however there are many alternatives that are much safer and far less detrimental to wildlife and open land.” 

It is recommended as an alternative to plant a tree or create a flower garden, blow bubbles, light a candle or fly a flag. 

Bournemouth Echo: More than 200,000 lanterns are used every year. Image by WikiMore than 200,000 lanterns are used every year. Image by Wiki

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue also discourages the use of lanterns, saying: “We do not believe these should be used under any circumstances given the unnecessary risk they place on our communities and demand on our resources. 

“There is no way for the user to know how far the lantern will travel, for how long, and where it will end up.  

“There is also no guarantee that the paper outer is fire retardant, or that the fuel cell will be fully extinguished and cooled when the lantern does descend, increasing the chances of a fire developing if it comes into contact with a combustible surface. 

 “For these reasons the lighting of sky lanterns is strongly discouraged. 

 “This is especially so in areas with standing crops, buildings with thatched roofs, areas of dense woodland and areas of heath or bracken, especially in dry conditions.”