A floating lantern is suspected of sparking a fire that destroyed two homes in Mesquite, authorities said.
The blaze erupted around 8 p.m. on Thursday in a neighborhood near Bruton and Peachtree roads. Witnesses reported seeing dozens of lanterns drifting through the area just before flames broke out.
Investigators believe one lantern became entangled in a tree near the homes. Its fuel cell, containing flammable oil or a similar ignitable material, fell to the ground, igniting the blaze. Strong winds and ground conditions caused the fire to spread rapidly.
It was a two-alarm fire that took firefighters 30 to 40 minutes to bring under control. No injuries were reported.
The lanterns appear to have been released from the Balch Springs or southeast Dallas area, officials said. The Mesquite Fire Department is asking anyone with information about who launched them to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (972) 216-6316.
As Chinese New Year events wind down, authorities are reminding residents to celebrate responsibly when using floating lanterns and fireworks, and to avoid open burning, fireworks, or discharging firearms within city limits.
