Chinese lanterns descended unexpectedly onto an Aberdeenshire farm, sparking fears over the safety of livestock and crops after three lanterns were found scattered across farmer’s land, according to local media reports. The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by such airborne objects, which are sometimes released during celebrations.
On the Shannas Farm at Clola, near Mintlaw, three Chinese lanterns were found by farmer John Penny after landing overnight.
According to the Press & Journal, the three lanterns landed on a mixed arable unit on Sunday evening, one still bearing the handwritten message “Holly” on its tissue paper canopy. Although the foil fuel cells had burned out by the time they hit the ground, the farm’s owner told the paper he feared “it could just as easily have been a straw shed ablaze.”
The event follows complaints raised by the local community, who have pointed out the risks these lanterns bring. Farmers’ representatives have repeatedly branded the mass release of Chinese lanterns as “reckless,” highlighting the need for stronger regulation to protect farms.
Dangers of Chinese Lanterns
Chinese lanterns, made of thin paper stretched over wire or bamboo frames and lifted by a small flame, present unique hazards to agricultural environments.
NFU Scotland’s President Andrew McCornick stated: “Lanterns are a serious fire risk to farm buildings, which may house hay and straw, or other flammable products. They also pose a threat to animal health if they land on farms as the frame material can get mixed up into feed, such as silage or grain, and be digested by livestock—the effects of which can be fatal”. The risk of wildfire in dry conditions only compounds these dangers.
“The danger does not die when the flame does”, warns Ben Underwood, east regional director of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA). “Even after it has finished flaming, the fuel cell of a lantern can register a spot temperature of more than 200 °C – and two minutes later it can still be around 100 °C.”
In Case You Missed it:
Currently, sky lanterns are not banned in England or Scotland, but most local Scottish councils have introduced bans or restrictions on their release from council-owned land due to fire risks and animal welfare concerns.
