Finally we can refer to flares, which are often used by military establishments or sea rescue facilities. The local police should be informed if any other flare releases are likely. They streak into the sky like a firework rocket and burst into colourful flares of light that slowly dissolve away. Colours can be red or orange, although others are possible. Military flares can be quite different; they are often white or green. They may be of longer duration (up to several minutes) and attached to parachutes so that they spiral slowly downwards illuminating the sky around them.

Telltale signs: Short duration (usually just several seconds), characteristic appearance, presence of some body in the area likely to utilize flares (e.g. military bases).