People are being warned not to set off lanterns in support for the NHS as it could put animals in danger.
It's really lovely that people are thinking up sweet ways to honour our health workers and the hard graft they're putting in during this tough time.
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We've had rainbow drawings plastered in our home windows, organised claps and the banging of crockery in the streets as a gestures of solidarity.
However the latest act of support gaining traction online is a becoming a cause for concern: lanterns.
While the sentiment is lovely, there is growing concerns about the dangers lanterns can have on livestock an other animals when they eventually land.
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Zoe Fell, a horse-owner from Wales, explained the concerns in a now-viral Facebook post.
"I'm seeing lots of posts to buy lanterns in support of the nhs," she writes. "I think supporting anyone who is still working is amazing and everyone who still is, is doing an excellent job.
"BUT PLEASE DO NOT set these lanterns off!"
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Zoe continued: "What looks lovely, sweet and pretty in the sky when landed can and sometimes does land on livestock.
"The end result isn't lovely, sweet or pretty at all! Please everyone avoid setting these things a light!"
Zoe shared some images alongside her post where animals have been harmed by the flaming torches dropping on them or ruining their habitat - and it's just so sad.
And of course it isn't just animals that could be harmed by lighting lanterns - massive fires could be caused.
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In January, Krefeld Zoo in Germany lost an entire monkey house to a fire with investigators suggesting it had been caused by sky lanterns.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Chair Roy Wilsher said on the matter: "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.
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"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."
UK lantern company Night Sky Lanterns has been criticised for launching a campaign encouraging people set off their lanterns on Sunday night in support of the health workers.
Let's stick to clapping, shall we?
Featured Image Credit: UnsplashTopics: Life News, Real, Coronavirus, Animals
