Rushcliffe Borough Council has joined calls from fire authorities to not light sky lanterns in shows of solidarity for NHS and key workers during this evening’s and future planned support initiatives.
The authority has echoed the National Fire Chiefs Council and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue’s message to residents to not acknowledge the weekly Thursday evening celebrations with the lighting and launching of lanterns due to the dangers they pose to wildlife and potential fire damage and impact on emergency services.
Lanterns and helium balloons are already banned in public spaces in the Borough and at Council events and Council Leader Cllr Simon Robinson has called upon residents to ensure they do not join nationally publicised efforts to celebrate workers’ efforts in this manner.
He said: “It is vital residents do not light or launch sky lanterns at any time. We all wish to acknowledge the incredible efforts of NHS and key workers across the country and our communities but please do not support this element of any initiative now or in future as the items are highly flammable.
“They pose a huge risk to livestock and agriculture as lanterns can land in their habitats and cause dangers to their health.
“Equally, as all emergency services are currently under increased pressure due to COVID-19, we discourage any activity that could increase wildfires at a time of the year where they are more likely due to drier weather conditions.
“Please do the right thing and choose to support our key workers in ways which do not harm our environment or potentially them as individuals as they are taken away from their vital work supporting those in need.”