Ceremonial balloon releases pose major fire risk in Lehigh Acres

LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — Balloons from your backyard birthday party or graduation celebration could pose a significant brush fire risk, Lehigh Fire Rescue officials said.

A mylar balloon recently hit a powerline and started a brush fire. The charred balloons were found at the scene by investigators.

The quick work of firefighters prevented the fire from getting out of control and potentially damaging homes.

“Any of those balloons that have that metallic looking inside, the can charge electricity,” Kaite Heck, a spokesperson for Lehigh Fire Rescue, said. “We’re still in a cautious mode. It’s still considered dry season and until we really get those steady summer rains that come more later in June or early July we’re still concerned about the conditions for a brush fire.”

If you choose to decorate with balloons, be sure to tie them down and properly dispose of them to avoid any accidents.

The post Ceremonial balloon releases pose major fire risk in Lehigh Acres appeared first on NBC2 News.

NBC2 Fort Myers