THE release of Chinese Lanterns has been banned on land owned by the Forest of Dean council.

Councillors took the decision to extinguish the practise on the authority’s property after hearing that one caused a blaze which required 200 firefighters.

A council spokesperson said: “While they may look attractive in the night sky they pose an extremely significant hazard when they return to ground level.”

The decision was passed at a meeting of the full council on Thursday, December 6.

Chinese lanterns, which are often a simple paper bag over a rigid frame with a fuel source to provide lift, have become increasingly popular during celebrations.

But councillors were told that the used lanterns can kill or maim animals that ingest them on the ground, often causing a slow and painful death, and are also a severe fire risk.

District Council leader, Cllr Tim Gwilliam, said after the ban was passed: “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 outright in the UK, a ban should only be a matter of time, as their use is already forbidden in Germany and Australia.

“Our ban on launching them from council-owned land in the Forest is in line with the actions taken by many other local authorities across the country.

“We will also be providing advice and guidance to event organisers and will use the council’s licensing regime to promote a voluntary ban.”