EAST Lancashire revellers have been warned not to launch ‘Chinese Lanterns’ in built-up areas after one nearly set light to a house in Blackburn.

Fire officers and council bosses have appealed for care in using the lighted paper devices after the weekend incident.

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Blackburn fire station crew manager Don Brady urged caution in using the fashionable celebratory ‘Chinese’ or ‘Sky’ lanterns with Hallowe’en, Bonfire night, Christmas and the New Year approaching.

He described Saturday’s incident in which one landed on the roof of the house Mulberry Walk in Audley Range as ‘a near miss’.

Mr Brady has been backed by Hyndburn Borough leader and former firefighter Cllr Miles Parkinson and Blackburn with Darwen Council deputy leader Cllr Andy Kay.

Chinese lanterns hold a candle and paraffin wax so they heat up and rise into the sky.

They are now an increasingly popular way to mark a special occasion.

Mr Brady said: “We had a near miss on Saturday when a lighted Chinese Lantern landed on the roof of a house in Mulberry Walk in Audley Range at 10.30pm.

“Luckily it went out and the roof did not catch fire which it could easily have done.

“A neighbour alerted us to the incident and we turned out two fire appliances.

“Firefighters used a ladder and hosereel up to check it out and used thermal imaging to ensure there was no hotspot.

“I would like to warn people of the dangers of these items.

“They should not launch Chinese Lanterns into the sky in built up areas where they can land set houses alight.

“This is particularly important with Bonfire Night and the Festive Season coming up.

“Please don’t use them in residential areas.”

Cllr Parkinson, also vice-chair of the Lancashire Combined Fire and Rescue Authority, said: “These lanterns look wonderful but they are dangerous.

“They should not released in built-up areas where they can land on people’s homes and set light to houses and outbuildings.”

Cllr Kay said: “People should take real care with these lanterns as they can be dangerous, particularly in built-up areas.

“The fire service are right to warn residents about this with host of celebrations coming up from Bonfire Night through to the festive season.

“These lanterns can set fire to timbers roofs, flat roofs and get under the tiles of pitched roofs on terrace houses and should not be used in urban areas.”