Chinese lanterns set to be banned from council property

Powys County Council is expected to back plans next week to ban the use of the lanterns from any of its own council owned or managed premises and property.

It comes after the council said they pose a fire risk and could cause injury to animals.

A report to council cabinet on Tuesday is recommending they go along with the proposed ban.

Councillor John Powell, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, said: "Sky lanterns are floating paper lanterns and are like miniature hot air balloons.

"They are often used at weddings, parties and around the festive season to celebrate such events with a release of the lantern into the sky. It is estimated around 200,000 Chinese lanterns are sold in Britain every year.

"They consist of a candle or a fuel cell filled with paraffin wax suspended inside a frame of wire or bamboo.

"When lit, they float upwards and drift away, landing when the fuel runs out. They can reach up to 1,000m and drift for several miles in the breeze.

"Fire chiefs have called for an urgent review into the use of paper lanterns after one caused a blaze at a plastics plant in Smethwick in the West Midlands, injuring 10 firefighters and causing £6m worth of damage.

"Metal waste left behind from Chinese lanterns can also damage farm equipment and harm and potentially kill farm animals and wildlife."