Derbyshire council bans Chinese lanterns in bid to prevent wildfires

Tim Paget
By Tim Paget
Published 27th Apr 2021, 14:35 BST
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Lighting fires, barbecues, fireworks and Chinese lanterns has been banned to help prevent wildfires at some high-risk locations in the Peak District.

High Peak Borough Council has approved the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering land owned by the council and all parts of the borough that lie within the boundary of the Peak District National Park that are open to the air and to which the public have access.

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David Smith, principal officer for communities and partnerships, said: “This order is coming into force at a good time as Covid restrictions start to ease and we can expect more people to visit the High Peak.

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A Derbyshire council is banning Chinese lanterns to prevent wildfires.A Derbyshire council is banning Chinese lanterns to prevent wildfires.
A Derbyshire council is banning Chinese lanterns to prevent wildfires.

"Sadly, in recent days, firefighters have been called on to tackle blazes in our area so this action is necessary to help try and reduce incidents.

“The majority of fires are caused by careless, thoughtless behaviour and are, therefore, preventable.”

The order is in place for a period of three years.

Related topics:DerbyshirePeak DistrictDavid Smith