Leeds Council leader warns against use of 'highly flammable' sky lanterns to pay tribute to key workers

The leader of Leeds City Council has warned against the use of sky lanterns to pay tribute to key workers.
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Cllr Judith Blake said lanterns increase the risk of wildfires and put extra strain on the emergency services, already under 'unprecedented pressure' due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes after a horse sanctuary in Leeds called for sky lanterns to be banned after discovering one in their field.

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Staff at Hope Pastures in Meanwood were upset to find the lantern, which thankfully did not land on the stables or any animals.

Staff at Hope Pastures in Meanwood were upset to find the lantern in a field (Photo: @HopePastures)Staff at Hope Pastures in Meanwood were upset to find the lantern in a field (Photo: @HopePastures)
Staff at Hope Pastures in Meanwood were upset to find the lantern in a field (Photo: @HopePastures)

Echoing a similar warning issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council last week in response to a campaign on social media, the council’s leader Councillor Judith Blake said: “We’re all extremely proud and thankful for the amazing work being done by our key workers.

"However, I'd urge residents to continue showing their support in ways that are safe and not to light sky lanterns.

“Sky lanterns (which some residents may know as ‘Chinese lanterns’) are highly flammable and increase the risk of wildfires.

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"Whilst our emergency services are under unprecedented pressure due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s vitally important that we all do everything possible to help them focus on their response to this virus and not on managing unnecessary fires.

“I'd once again like to thank everyone who continues to work so hard to keep our city running, particularly frontline workers and volunteers.”

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