Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has slammed a company that makes sky lanterns after it launched an offer on Union Jack sky lanterns to be set off to support the NHS.

The issue came to light after a fire station in East Devon told residents not to buy the lanterns as they 'cause fires, kill wildlife and cause all sort of problems for livestock'. Residents were told to 'stick to clapping'.

Nub News contacted Devon and Somerset Fire Service today for further clarification on the issue to help Exmouth residents. A fire service spokesperson said: "While we fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, I would encourage people to find a different way to do this.

"We does not advocate the use of sky lanterns and we do not believe they should be used under any circumstances.

"All emergency services are currently under unprecedented pressure due to COVID-19, and we are concerned this type of activity could not only put additional pressure on the fire service, but further strain on the NHS.

"If a sky lantern causes a fire, it could see firefighters spending valuable time dealing with what could be a complex and large-scale incident. Time which could be spent supporting vulnerable people in the community, as part of the fire services response to COVID-19."

The Union Jack sky lanterns are being sold by Night Sky Lanterns for £6 each.

The company's website states: "Support our campaign to help NHS staff. With your help, 100 per cent of the money raised from the sale of our Union Jack Sky Lanterns will be donated to support the UK National Health Service to fight Covid-19 and help them tackle this pandemic with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)."

Responding to concerns around the safety of sky lanterns a spokesman for Night Sky Lanterns said on the company's website: "First of all, we would like to thank everyone who has called or emailed us to express their concerns associated with sky lanterns.

"While we recognise that sky lanterns have caused inconveniences to farmers and some member of the public, we strongly believe that all those concerns are associated with poor quality sky lanterns which are not equipped with the latest innovative components, like those used to build premium, supreme and union jack sky lanterns.

"In addition, we strongly advise our customers and those who intend to place an order to strictly follow guidelines and safety instructions highlighted at the end of this page and on the packaging. In particular, only use sky lanterns in appropriate weather conditions.

"As emphasised by experts of the Trading Standard Institute (Code of Practice - Sky Lanterns 2014), when used as intended in appropriate conditions and in small numbers, sky lanterns do not constitute a high risk. With a little care and consideration they can be enjoyed safely.

"We have decided to include in each pack a Union Jack candle bag made with fireproof paper. However, please consider the possibility of using LED tea-lights to minimize the risk of fire from wax candles."

The sky lanterns 'are equipped with an innovative wick, also called a fuel cell, made of cloth/fabric, which ensures that after burning the combustible, it will crumble in the air before the lantern starts descending'.