Hot Air Balloons Cause Power Outages and Fires in São José dos Campos

Several incidents involving falling hot air balloons occurred in São José dos Campos on Thursday, November 9th, causing power disruptions and small fires, though no injuries were reported. The Fire Department responded to two official calls: one where a balloon fell onto power lines, causing a short circuit and requiring joint action with the energy company. Another incident involved a balloon landing on a residence, igniting small fires that were quickly extinguished. The Civil Defense also observed a balloon fall near power lines via surveillance cameras, which did not result in spreading flames. Residents captured videos of other balloons, including one that lost altitude near Linha Verde and another that fell in flames near homes and a school in Santa Inês III, causing alarm but no major infernos. A balloon was also seen over Urbanova, with its landing spot unconfirmed, and another fell in a difficult-to-access peat area in Banhado. The release of hot air balloons is a prohibited environmental crime in Brazil, punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine, due to the significant fire risk they pose.