FIRE chiefs in Rossendale have issued a warning about the use of Chinese lanterns after a call-out on Saturday.

A crew from Bacup was called out at 9.50pm after receiving reports that one of the lanterns had settled on an industrial building near the Rose 'n' Bowl pub in Newchurch Road, Stacksteads.

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By the time the fire fighters had reached the building, it had blown away, but Damian Hartley, watch manager at Bacup fire station, said the devices could be dangerous.

He said: "We responded to reports that one of the lanterns had landed on a roof and the caller was concerned it would ignite.

"As we were going down there the wind picked it up and it drifted off. They can be dangerous. I have never personally attended an incident started by one, but they are designed with a candle inside paper.

"If they land on something combustible, they can start a fire. We would urge people to be careful. On this occasion there was no sign of any damage, but I would remind residents to be mindful."