To think Chinese lanterns must be banned after the fire in Germany

[ChardonnaysDistantCousin]

Animals died horribly and needlessly and lanterns with New Year's wishes were found at the scene.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-50964956

Yes there should be a blanket ban (although it doesn't look like it helped in Germany as there's always some entitled wotsit who thinks it doesn't apply to them) along with sale of fireworks to individuals.

They should definitely be banned.

I think people do know the dangers but you are a killjoy if you mention it.

Wonder if there’s ever been an online petition on this?

I believe that it should be said that everyone who released one of those lanterns last night is responsible for that fire and the deaths of those animals.

I do think we have become too soft on apportioning blame and making people responsible for their (bad) decisions.

There have been petitions about this, but they don't get the results we need.

I'm not sure if there is a current one.

I can't believe some people have voted that YABU.

I will be following the German Media to see what happens, I hope whoever did it is held responsible.

Yanbu.
Fire lanterns and balloon releases need to be banned immediately. No need for them.

The last biggest petition got a government response saying the risk was low
petition.parliament.uk/petitions?q=Lantern

5% think those animals' lives were worth less than some fun.

What can I say?

They should be banned everywhere, along with fireworks that are sold to the general public.
They should send whoever uses them into space via a bloody great rocket up their arses!
Those poor animals, absolutely terrible. ☹️

I thought they were banned? We were at a wedding a few years back and they had them. We watched as one got stuck up a tree and were all waiting to see if it set it on fine (it didn’t thank goodness). Have they banned balloon races/releases too?

I don't understand who even still uses these bloody things. You'd have to be living under a rock to not know about the dangers of them.

I can't decide if the people responsible are stupid and ignorant or don't give a shit.

I’d heard it was fireworks. This is as bad. I wish these zoos would have proper sprinkler systems and fire prevention/fighting plans to save the animals. I’m as annoyed at the zoo as I am at the moron who launched whatever started the fire.

Chinese Laterns are banned in Germany since 2009 but of course can be bought on theInternet.those responsible for sending the lanterns off have turned themselves into the Police.what an awful start to the New Year.

Known as a fire hazard, sky lanterns are banned in Germany

From the article. This is probably where your YABU results are coming from.

Not sure writing to your local British MP will make any difference. Clearly it being illegal didn’t stop it happening this time.

I once happened to be coming downstairs and saw one blowing up the front path towards my door. The people came and rescued it, but what if it had been above their reach but caught on the roof?

Totally agree

Those poor monkeys how sad.
They need to ban unauthorised fireworks while they're at it. Balloons lanterns and fireworks.

They should be banned!
A few seconds of watching them fly away is never equivalent to the loss of life...
I can't even imagine the suffering those beautiful animals went through.

on the other hand fire works/fire crackers are mad at nye.
I'm always amazed that not more fires happen.

One bounced off the balcony of the 8th floor flat I was in on New Year’s Eve once. We were very lucky it didn’t ignite something.

I want them banned here.

I now understand they are banned in Germany, I was probably too upset when I read the article to spot that.

It will make a difference, because while many many are irresponsible, but few people actually want to do criminal damage. Also, banning them will stop sales.

That's why I hope whoever is responsible is caught and prosecuted.

They turned themselves in, yes.

Negligent Arson, according to police sources.

Bastards.

I've got the general gist of what happened, but I can't bring myself to click on that link and read the full story because it breaks my heart!! The pain and fear they experienced was completely unnecessary!

I think new year's, and all other celebrations surely can pass without lanterns, balloon releases and even fireworks!! Our poor little dog around bonfire night/new year's! For me they should only be allowed to be set off on 31st December and 5th November, not for weeks and weeks on end!! So yes, I'm with you, is this something the local MP can help with?