UK firefighters urge public to avoid paper lanterns after massive fire

Watch: Aftermath of massive fire at recycling plant in Birmingham – July 1

LONDON – British firefighters are calling for people not to use paper lanterns after they were blamed for a huge fire in central England.

The Chief Fire Officers’ Association said in a statement Tuesday that paper lanterns – heated by candles and launched into the air during celebrations – can cause significant damage.

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Video evidence has shown that a large blaze at a plastic recycling plant near the city of Birmingham on Monday was started by a paper lantern that floated over the site.

Over 200 firefighters fought the blaze, which caused 6 million pounds ($9.1 million) in damage.

The fire officers said that as well as being a fire hazard to everything from thatched roofs to hazardous waste, paper lanterns also posed a risk to livestock.