Floating lanterns that drifted in from outside the neighborhood are being blamed for a two-alarm fire Thursday night that destroyed two single-family homes near Peachtree and Bruton Roads in Mesquite. Fire crews arrived to find both houses fully engulfed and focused on keeping the flames from jumping to nearby properties. No one was hurt, but several residents were left without a place to live after the fast-moving fire chewed through both structures.
Investigators Zero In On Drifting Lanterns
According to CBS Texas, investigators with the Mesquite Fire Department believe airborne "floating lanterns" released from an unknown location, possibly Balch Springs or southeast Dallas, likely sailed into the area and set off the blaze. One lantern is thought to have snagged in a tree, where its burning fuel cell dropped to the ground and started the fire.
The department said the lanterns use a fuel cell filled with a flammable oil or a similar ignitable material, and investigators stressed that the devices pose a serious fire risk.
Neighbors Reported Dozens Of Lights In The Sky
Elizabeth Ruiz, who lost her home in the fire, told WFAA that neighbors spotted several small lights drifting overhead shortly before the flames took off. She said that within minutes, the fire had consumed nearly everything. Video shared with the station shows what witnesses described as small balls of light gliding across the sky before the blaze erupted.
Fast-Moving Fire And Call For Information
An investigator told NBC 5 DFW that the two-alarm fire took about 30 to 40 minutes to get under control, with wind helping the flames spread quickly through the two homes. The Mesquite Fire Department is asking anyone who knows where the lanterns were released, or who might have video of them, to contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 972-216-6316.
Sky Lanterns Outlawed Under Mesquite Fire Code
Mesquite's adopted fire code explicitly outlaws the release of sky lanterns, defined as unmanned free-floating devices that contain an open flame, and classifies violations as a Class C misdemeanor that can bring fines of up to $2,000, according to Mesquite City Code, Ordinance No. 4802. Officials highlighted the rule while urging residents to keep sky lanterns, fireworks, and any open flames away from dry grass, yards, and trees.
Families Displaced As Investigation Continues
Both homes were declared total losses, and the affected families are now staying in hotels while they figure out what comes next. One family told WFAA that their homeowner insurance had lapsed, adding to the financial strain. Fire officials say the investigation remains active and are again asking the public to report any lantern launches or video that could help identify who released them.
