Call for residents to stop launching floating lanterns

Residents are being urged not to use floating lanterns to pay tribute to the NHS during the coronavirus lockdown.

Some residents have been launching the lanterns, which rely on a small flame to fly, as part of tributes to key workers.

The launch of a floating lanternplaceholder image
The launch of a floating lantern | Christopher Thomond

But today a spokesman for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We’re asking you to avoid using floating lanterns as a way of thanking our NHS. There are many other ways you can thank them, like staying at home.

“Lanterns are a big fire risk & could tie up valuable resources by causing a large scale incident.”

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