The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department today reminds people to observe fire safety and keep the countryside clean during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

They should not release any sky lanterns, and should be extremely careful with barbecue fires and candle-lit lanterns in the countryside, the department added.

The maximum penalty for illegally lighting a fire or releasing a sky lantern in country parks and open countryside is one year in prison and a $25,000 fine.