Hot weather sparks calls for ban on sky lanterns

An arable farmer has called for a complete ban on sky lanterns as the hot and prolonged dry weather continues.

Nigel Barnes, who farms near Flitwick in Bedfordshire, said releasing an open flame into the countryside was "extremely dangerous".

Barnes found a lantern in a hedge next to his drive on Thursday and said he feels lucky that it did not start a fire.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue said that risk of wildfires remains "high" and "even small sparks or embers could cause a devastating [blaze]".

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This is not the first time he has found sky lanterns on his farm. Previously two or three square metres of crops were damaged in a blaze sparked by the release of sky lanterns at a wedding, he said.

The farmer is supporting a campaign by the National Farmers Union (NFU) for the government to introduce a total ban on sky lanterns in England and Wales.

"Sky lanterns need to be banned completely and I urge people to avoid using them and to think of the damage they can cause," Barnes said.

The NFU said 200 councils, including Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Council have voluntarily banned sky lanterns but "this only covers the land they own".

Where sky lanterns are permitted, the public should follow manufacturer and aviation guidelines to avoid fines or prosecution.

The BBC has contacted the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for a response to the ban call.

Meanwhile, fire services have renewed their calls for the public to act responsibly in the hot, dry weather.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said it faced "challenging conditions" dealing with significant wildfires in Croxley Green, Hoddesdon and Harpenden, over the weekend.

It asked the public to dispose of cigarettes safely and take glass bottles home.

Woburn firefighters have also urged people to "resist" having campfires and bonfires after they tackled a blaze "accidentally spread from a campfire" in Aspley Woods on Monday.

The fire service warnings come as parts of southern, central and eastern England are now close to drought.

Thames Water has announced a hosepipe ban for all its customers from Thursday.

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