CHINESE lanterns may look spectacular but they pose a severe fire risk and dangers to animals, says the New Forest National Park Authority.

The organisation says the flying lights, which can float great distances, can set fire to thatched cottages and hay as well as causing harm to wildlife and livestock.

NPA chief executive Alison Barnes said: “We have been concerned for some time about Chinese lanterns and a recent huge fire caused by one in the West Midlands has just confirmed our fears. With dry heath and the impacts on ponies we wanted to renew our call for people to be careful.”

Graham Ferris, chairman of the Commoners Defence Association, said: “We are totally opposed to the release of Chinese Lanterns at any time, but releasing them now that we have seen the consequences and recognising the risks to the New Forest, hay crops and barns and inquisitive young foals, would be criminally irresponsible.”

Sue Westwood, clerk to the Verderers, said: “Some lanterns are made of bamboo rather than wire and bamboo splinters could cause injury to an inquisitive calf or foal that might try to chew it. A lantern flying low could very easily scare animals into bolting – possibly across a road, resulting in a road traffic accident.”

Tony Hockley, of the New Forest Equine Association, said horse owners were also concerned about parts of the lanterns ending up in hay.

He said: “At the moment, haymaking is well under way and the risks of fire and of bits of sky lanterns’ bamboo or wire framework ending up in our hay are very serious concerns. The consequences for animals eating them can be fatal.”