This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-somerset-13921039

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Chinese lantern blamed for Somerton fire Chinese lantern blamed for Somerton fire
(about 17 hours later)
A Chinese lantern has been blamed for sparking a large fire at an industrial estate in Somerset.A Chinese lantern has been blamed for sparking a large fire at an industrial estate in Somerset.
Firefighters were called to the Polham Lane industrial estate in Somerton after a tonne of paper and printer cartridges caught fire on Saturday night. Firefighters were called to the Polham Lane site in Somerton after a tonne of paper and printer cartridges caught fire on Saturday night.
A spokesman from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the lantern had fallen on to the paper.A spokesman from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the lantern had fallen on to the paper.
Four crews brought the large blaze under control, he said. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service had issued a warning about the use of lanterns only the day before.
The paper lanterns, which can float up to a mile into the air when they are lit, are often constructed with metal wire. The paper decorations, which can float up to a mile into the air when they are lit, are often constructed with metal wire.
They have become a popular feature at parties and weddings.They have become a popular feature at parties and weddings.
Following the Somerton fire, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service station commander Jim Morrison said: "Without sounding like a killjoy, we would ask people to consider not buying and setting them off because of the dangers.Following the Somerton fire, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service station commander Jim Morrison said: "Without sounding like a killjoy, we would ask people to consider not buying and setting them off because of the dangers.
"Although they look pretty they will often fail and come down early whilst the fuel for the lantern itself is still burning.""Although they look pretty they will often fail and come down early whilst the fuel for the lantern itself is still burning."
Coincidentally, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service had issued a warning about Chinese lanterns only the day before the incident.Coincidentally, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service had issued a warning about Chinese lanterns only the day before the incident.
Cattle diedCattle died
The statement said the novelties - also called sky lanterns - could harm animals and the environment and added that the service believed the risk of launching them "far outweighs the benefits".The statement said the novelties - also called sky lanterns - could harm animals and the environment and added that the service believed the risk of launching them "far outweighs the benefits".
The National Farmers Union has had "numerous reports" of harm caused to livestock by lanterns, it said.The National Farmers Union has had "numerous reports" of harm caused to livestock by lanterns, it said.
In some cases, cattle have died after eating metal wires from the frames.In some cases, cattle have died after eating metal wires from the frames.
The statement concludes: "If the lantern does start a fire there is the possibility that you could be held responsible."The statement concludes: "If the lantern does start a fire there is the possibility that you could be held responsible."
Lantern banLantern ban
Concerns have also been raised by RNLI, which has reported a large increase in the number of call-outs after the lights from lanterns were mistaken for distress flares.Concerns have also been raised by RNLI, which has reported a large increase in the number of call-outs after the lights from lanterns were mistaken for distress flares.
East Midlands and Manchester airports have warned against launching Chinese lanterns beneath its flight paths, claiming they could get sucked into plane engines.East Midlands and Manchester airports have warned against launching Chinese lanterns beneath its flight paths, claiming they could get sucked into plane engines.
Austria and Germany have banned the lanterns but there are no restrictions in force in Britain, although the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidelines on their use.Austria and Germany have banned the lanterns but there are no restrictions in force in Britain, although the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidelines on their use.
Although no planes have been brought down, the CAA says the lanterns could potentially be ingested into plane engines and can fall on to airport runways.Although no planes have been brought down, the CAA says the lanterns could potentially be ingested into plane engines and can fall on to airport runways.