A raging fire was triggered by a mylar promotional balloon caught in power lines

January 12, 2000
Web posted at: 11:09 AM EST (1609 GMT)

Fremont, California (DP) -- A mylar promotional balloon drifted into power lines in California this afternoon, shorting out electricity across half the state and causing a blaze that firefighters will be battling long into the night.

The balloon was released at a ceremony celebrating the two thousand and first implantation of a device designed to correct mild myopia. Intacs are manufactured by KeraVision, Inc., which is based nearby.

Ironically, a firefighter was blinded while fighting the inferno. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Thomas Loarie, President of KeraVision, commented, "This is a terrible tragedy. If you need me, I'll be in Argentina."

A telephoto shot of the dreaded balloon.

A spokesman for the company was present at the disaster. He was seen handing out promotional buttons, coffee cups, mousepads, and playing cards. They were all embossed with the phrase, "Ask me about the Eye-thingies." The spokesman stated that the company had changed the product's name so as not to be associated with a blaze some are comparing to the Hindenburg Disaster.

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