BLEDSOE, TX — A runaway research balloon filled with helium and nitrogen, accompanied by lithium batteries, created a substantial fire hazard Saturday afternoon, leading to a multi-agency response across Texas and New Mexico.
It happened around 12:30 p.m. when the Whiteface and Morton Volunteer Fire Departments were dispatched to track the balloon, which posed a threat to Bledsoe and potentially Morton, according to Whiteface VFD.
The balloon, though not explosive, contained gases that could displace oxygen in confined spaces, and its lithium batteries further heightened the risk of fire.
Whiteface VFD responded with six personnel, deploying a 250-gallon-per-minute urban interface pumper and a 3,000-gallon tanker under the command of Chief Bruce Heflin.
Morton VFD followed with four personnel manning two grass trucks and a pumper. Additional units from Levelland and Cochran County were also mobilized, with Levelland providing a tanker and Cochran County deploying a maintainer.
The Millensands Fire Department in New Mexico was notified as it became clear the balloon might cross the state line. Cochran County and Levelland units eventually tracked the balloon into New Mexico, where it crashed about 10 miles west of Bledsoe on N.M. Highway 262.
With no immediate fire danger, Levelland units were released, while Cochran County units remained on standby until New Mexico authorities and company personnel arrived. The incident concluded without further escalation, as the potential threat was neutralized.
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