Fire authorities ask people not to release Chinese lanterns as part of weekly NHS clap

Fire authorities have issued an urgent plea asking people to not release Chinese lanterns as part of weekly health worker celebrations.

The authorities are asking people not to release sky lanterns. Picture: Shutterstock

Social media posts encouraging the use of the objects have been circulating ahead of this week's #clapforcarers.

The lanterns are usually made up of paper supported by a wire frame, like a small hot air balloon.

They are used in festivals in some cultures, with the traditional design dating back thousands of years.

But officials have said using them in the current climate would be unsafe and have asked people to refrain.

They said that whilst the lighting and launch are largely in control of the user, the actual flight path and destination are not.

And they added that there is also no guarantee that the flame will be extinguished when it lands - which could mean a fire developing.

Authorities are instead asking people to find safer alternatives.

A recent campaign by some companies to market Chinese lanterns as a means of showing thanks to health workers was described as "misguided" by the National Fire Chiefs' Council.