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It happens so much, in fact, that some states have enacted laws regulating the sale of foil or metalized Mylar balloons — which conduct electricity.
California alone reports hundreds of power outages each year due to metallic balloons, costing hundreds of millions in damage.
Mylar balloon ignite power surges when they touch power lines (or float into substations).
This can cause a short-circuit that leads to an outage, a fire or a snap in a line — which is what authorities believe happened in the fire that displaced seven people this morning on Passaic Avenue in Lodi.
WATCH:
This morning’s blaze broke out around 6:45 a.m. and was snuffed inside of 20 minutes once PSE&G cut power to the house, Assistant Fire Chief John Funk told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
The toppled high-tension wires landed on a fence and railing, “charging the house and starting a small fire in the first floor and the basement,” Funk said.
They snapped after the tangled balloon squeezed out sparks.
Power was temporarily cut to some area homes and a traffic light at First and Passaic.
Firefighters from Garfield, Hackensack, Hasbrouck Heights, Saddle Brook and Wallington responded along with Lodi firefighters, police and EMS workers.
Experts remind people to keep the balloons tethered and attached to a weight, and to make sure they’re punctured and deflated before being thrown away. Do not use metallic ribbon.
If a balloon or other toy becomes tangled in a high-tension wire DO NOT try to get it out yourself. Call your utility company.
ALWAYS assume power lines are live. Keep yourself, others, toys and equipment at least 10 feet from a live wire.
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Bill Tompkins was on the scene. For more photos from today’s fire — and to see more of Bill’s work — go to:
Bill Tompkins BTFirephotos
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