CHINESE lanterns that are sent drifting in to the sky on summer evenings are believed to be causing fires in Epping Forest and killing its wildlife.

The lanterns have become increasingly popular in recent years and are often released in to the sky en masse.

Also known as Kongming Lanterns, they are a common sight at festivities in parts of Asia including China and Thailand.

The lanterns are made from patterned paper and after a candle is placed inside them they float upwards, often for many miles, landing when the candle burns out or the lantern catches fire.

But forest wardens claim that as they drift down in to Epping Forest lanterns are catching fire to trees and undergrowth and causing serious damage.

There are also fears that the remains of the lanterns pose a threat to wildlife, as cattle eat the old paper, ingesting pieces of wire from the frame which can cause a slow and painful death from internal injuries.

Other animals, including deer, are also believed to be at risk from ingesting remains of the lanterns.

Nick Baker, who is a senior forest keeper, said: “Some of the lanterns are made of a very fine wire and when that gets in to a cow’s stomach the wire tears up the stomach causing it to rupture.”

“There have recently been incidents where parts of the crown of trees light up, as well as fires on agricultural land.

“We fear that these lanterns may have been responsible for some incidents.

“Our park keepers often encounter the remains of these lanterns in the forest.

We have disposed of many but have no idea how many forest animals may have become entangled in them or hurt by them.”

Epping Forest Superintendent Paul Thomson said: “The increasingly popular mass releases of sky lanterns are undoubtedly spectacular.

“However, Lanterns which fail to fly properly can set fires on forest heaths and veteran trees, and it is for this reason that some European Countries have already banned this Chinese tradition.”