Essex fire chiefs are warning people against using Chinese lanterns in the wake of the huge fire in Smethwick.

Officials are asking people to think twice about buying the lanterns after a one is believed to have sparked the blaze in the Midlands.

Two firefighters were injured and eight were treated after exposure to the intense heat.

Lee Palfreyman, Colchester Station Commander, said: “These lanterns pose a real risk of starting fires.

“They might look beautiful when first they take off, but it is when they land miles from where they were lit that they become dangerous.

“In this dry weather, fire spreads quickly and burns ferociously.

“Chinese lanterns are made to be launched over the sea and they are not appropriate for use inland.

“I would urge people to think about the possible consequences and look at today's incident in the West Midlands, before ever thinking of launching one of these lanterns.”