A CHINESE lantern could be to blame for the huge blaze that broke out at a waterpark near Bredon in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The fire is thought to have damaged about 50 caravans and mobile homes at Croft Farm Waterpark in Bredons Hardwick.

Several propane cylinders stored within the caravans were at risk but crews were able to prevent the fire spreading to a 2,000 litre LPG storage vessel using water jets and a ground monitor.

Ten engines battled the fire from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Gloucestershire, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham.

Speaking on Monday about the cause of the fire Group Commander Mike Cunningham from Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At this stage of the investigation there is no evidence to suggest the fire was started deliberately but we believe the most likely cause, according to eye witness statements, was a Chinese Lantern as a number of lanterns had been released in the vicinity just before the fire broke out.

“Whilst these lanterns are undoubtedly a popular and beautiful sight, the potential damage they can cause is significant. These floating lanterns may constitute a fire hazard and may also pose a risk to livestock, agriculture, camping activities, thatched properties and hazardous material sites.”

This comes after a recycling plant in Smethwick went up in flames due to a Chinese Lantern resulting in a call for them to be banned by the Chief Fire Officers’ Association.

He said: “Chief Fire Officers’ Association does not support the use of these devices and asks members of the public and event organisers to refrain from using them. Whilst these lanterns are undoubtedly a popular and beautiful sight, the potential damage they can cause is significant.”
No one was injured in the incident.