PEOPLE are being asked not to buy sky lanterns and set them off in support of the NHS and carers.

A spokesperson from North Wales Police said the lanterns could cause a 'significant' fire.

They added: "A better, safer way to show your support is to simply stay at home."

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has warned that the campaign to encourage the public to light the lanterns in support of solidarity for NHS workers is ‘misguided’.

Roy Wilsher, NFCC chairperson, said: “While I fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, I would encourage people to find a different way to do this.

“NFCC 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 I am 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.”