A floating sky lantern drifting through the night sky is being blamed for a devastating fire that destroyed two homes in Mesquite last Thursday, leaving families displaced and investigators searching for whoever released it.
The Mesquite Fire Department responded to reports of a residential structure fire at approximately 8 p.m. on March 5 near Peachtree Road and Bruton Road. Upon arrival, firefighters found two homes engulfed in flames and worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further. No injuries were reported, but both homes were destroyed.
An investigator told reporters it was a two-alarm fire that took about 30 to 40 minutes to bring under control. Witnesses told fire officials they had observed dozens of floating lanterns drifting through the area just before the fire broke out.
Investigators believe the lantern, likely released from the Balch Springs or southeast Dallas area, became entangled in a tree as it descended. The entanglement caused the lantern's fuel cell - which typically contains flammable oil or other ignitable materials - to fall to the ground, sparking a fire that rapidly spread to both nearby homes.
Mesquite fire officials noted in a news release that floating lanterns are powered by a small fuel cell typically containing flammable oil or a similar ignitable material.
The incident serves as a stark warning as the conclusion of Chinese New Year celebrations approaches. Fire officials are emphasizing that floating lanterns and fireworks present a severe risk of uncontrolled fire and significant property damage, urging residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid items that can create uncontrolled fire hazards - including open burning, fireworks, and the discharge of firearms within city limits.
The Mesquite Fire Marshal's Office is asking for the public's help identifying who released the lanterns. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Mesquite Fire Marshal's Office at (972) 216-6316.
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