AN INGOLDMELLS caravan park is appealing for better regulation of the sale of Chinese lanterns following a fire at the site.

Cathryn Whitehead from Ingoldale Park contacted the Target after her concerns about the lights were realised in the early hours of Sunday morning.

At about 1.30am, a suspected fuel cell from a lantern fell on to the plastic roof vent of a privately owned caravan on the site, melting the plastic which then dripped on to the kitchen floor, setting it on fire.

The caravan owners, asleep at the time, woke up and extinguished the fire themselves.

Cathryn said: "The fire was about 30cm away from the gas inlet and, by the grace of God, the owners woke up and put the fire out.

"The fire officer came to look. The fire was certainly caused by flaming debris that has hit the roof from above.

"We believe the fuel cell from the cheaper versions of these lanterns has fallen and landed on the skylight."

Chinese lanterns are usually made of flame-retardant paper with a fuel cell that is lit and can fly for up to 20 minutes.

Following the incident, Ingoldale Park carried out its own investigation and found two types of lantern were readily available in local shops.

The first, with a fixed fuel cell, costs about £3, but a cheaper version where the user has to attach the fuel cell themselves is also available, at £1.50 for two.

Cathryn said: "I would like to see the cheaper version taken off the shelves. I do not begrudge anyone the right to enjoy themselves, but the safer version of the lantern should also come within the legal parameters of the sale of fireworks.

"Tents, static and touring caravans and awnings are all at risk. Stacks of straw and hay are also vulnerable in the same way."

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue has said it neither prohibits or endorses the use of lanterns, but give guidance to their safe use.

Community fire safety manager Matt King offered the following advice: "Only use lanterns in very calm wind conditions. Choose your location carefully, making sure there are no obstacles in the way. Don't use near standing crops, anywhere near buildings with thatched roofs, areas of dense woodland or in built-up areas. Use similar common sense to dealing with fireworks – don't let children set them off, be careful about naked flames, don't use under the influence of alcohol and keep a bucket of water nearby."

HM Coastguard has reported a number of calls from the public about the lights which resemble flares, particularly out to sea. They are asking anyone who is planning on letting them off in a coastal location to call Yarmouth Coastguard beforehand on 01493 851338, giving their location and the number of lanterns.

Are Chinese lanterns harmless fun or would you like to see them taken off the shelves? E-mail sarah.payne@targetseries.co.uk