GOVERNMENT guidance has failed to ban the use of Chinese lanterns ahead of the firework season despite the huge risk to property and livestock.

Instructions issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government only strongly discourage the use of the lanterns because of the risk they pose of killing animals, starting fires and creating litter in the countryside.

Also known as wish, sky or flying lanterns, they have existed for thousands of years but have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of celebrating weddings, birthdays, anniversaries or other special events.

The lanterns are generally made from paper, supported by a wire or card frame that incorporates a holder at the bottom for a solid fuel cell. Flying times can vary from six minutes up to 20 minutes.

Station manager Damien Bence, from Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service’s community safety department, said: “With Chinese lanterns, you’re basically throwing a naked flame into the sky with no control over the direction it will take or where it will land.

“In addition, there is no guarantee that the fuel source will be fully extinguished and cooled when the lantern eventually descends and that presents a real fire hazard.

“We have had fires started by Chinese lanterns in the past, so we would always urge people to think twice before buying them.

“These lanterns are very attractive when they’re in the sky and we fully understand why people like them, but they must be used carefully and with consideration of the local environment.”

The advice follows looser guidance issued by the Trading Standards Institute in the summer, which said that lanterns should not be released by people under the influence of alcohol and air traffic control should be informed of launches within 10 miles of an airfield.

It stops short, however, of banning the lanterns, instead reading: “We recommend that you do not use sky lanterns as you have no control over them once they’ve been set off.”

Robert Buckland, MP for South Swindon, said: “Whilst Chinese lanterns often look beautiful, particularly if floated on water, sadly there is a risk of fire to property and harm to animals by the inappropriate use of airborne lanterns.

“I think that because of these risks, their use should not be encouraged and welcome the new Code of Practice as a step forward.”