A UK company, Night Sky Lanterns has been encouraging people to support the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic by lighting one of their lanterns and sending it off into the sky this week.
Proceeds from the £6 lanterns were to be donated to the NHS.
But firefighters, ambulance services and wildlife experts have issued urgent warnings against doing this, due to the dangers the lanterns pose.
A number of different fire departments tweeted about the laterns, encouraging people to support carers in safer ways - such as clapping and staying at home.
North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: "At a time when wildfires are on the increase we discourage the use of sky lanterns.
"While we fully understand people wanting to show their support to the NHS, sky lanterns are a fire hazard and many local authorities have already banned them."
Similarly, South Yorkshire Fire posted: "We've heard that people are being asked to buy sky lanterns and set them off, in support of our amazing carers.
"PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS!
"These lanterns could cause a significant fire. A better, safer way to show your support is to simply stay at home!"
London Fire Brigade added: "We would strongly discourage anyone from lighting a sky latern at this time. Sky lanterns could lead to a complex large-scale incident and take up valuable resources. There are a number of non fire risk shows of support people can do instead. The best is stay at home."
West Midlands Ambulance Service shared a warning, saying: "There are posts asking people to light sky lanterns for tomorrows #ClapForCarers.
"PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS.
"Sky lanterns are a fire hazard, they pose danger to people, homes, pets and wildlife. Please continue to show your support safely and Protect the frontline."
Craig Bennett, CEO of The Wildlife Trusts, also discouraged people from lighting lanterns.
He wrote: "This is a VERY BAD IDEA. Fire lanterns are threat to wildlife, livestock & people. They are banned in many countries Parts of countryside v. dry at moment. They pose fire risk when our emergency services have enough to deal with There are so many better ways to #SupportOurNHS."
Following the backlash, Night Sky Lanterns have decided to end the campaign.
In a post on their website, they explained: "We thank you all for expressing concerns and sentiments on this fundraising campaign in support of the NHS.
"We have been overwhelmed by the number of messages opposing the connection with the NHS. Due to this, we have decided to stop this campaign and we are in process of refunding all orders received so far.
"In good faith, our intention was to collect the money from the sale of the Union Jack Sky Lanterns and let participants select the NHS Charity to donate 100 percent of the money raised during this unprecedented time.
They added: "While we recognise that sky lanterns have caused inconveniences to farmers and some member of the public, we strongly believe that all those concerns are associated with poor quality sky lanterns which are not equipped with the latest innovative components, like those used to build premium, supreme and Union Jack Sky Lanterns.
"In addition, we strongly advise our customers and those who intend to place an order to strictly follow guidelines and safety instructions highlighted at the end of this page and on the packaging. In particular, only use sky lanterns in appropriate weather conditions."
