A hot air balloon caught fire on Saturday morning at the Suncook Valley Rotary Club’s annual rally in Pittsfield, injuring its operator.
The fire occurred in a remote-controlled balloon that “experienced a malfunction” before flames broke out, according to a statement from the Rotary Club. The incident happened around 6:30 a.m.
First responders and staffers at the Hot Air Balloon Rally responded to the emergency as soon as it happened. The balloon’s operator was transported to Concord Hospital with minor injuries but has since been released, the Club said.
None of the spectators sustained injuries.
“The safety of our guests, volunteers, pilots, and participants remains our highest priority,” the Rotary Club said. “Club members work closely with local fire, police, EMS, and other public safety partners throughout the year to prepare for the event and ensure any emergency can be addressed quickly and effectively.”
The Pittsfield Fire Department could not immediately be reached for comment.
The company that made the balloon, Thin Line Ballooning, said in a statement on social media that they were grateful for a quick response by local police and firefighters.
“We also want to apologize to everyone attending the rally for the concern and disruption caused by this incident. The safety of our operators, crew members, spectators and fellow participants remains our highest priority,” the company said. “We appreciate everyone’s concern, understanding and well wishes for our operator’s speedy recovery.”
After the fire was extinguished, festivities continued at the rally.
This is the 44th annual Hot Air Balloon Rally hosted in Pittsfield. The weekend-long event features more than a dozen hot air balloon pilots and crews from across the country, as well as a host of other events, including helicopter rides, the popular “anything that floats” river race, a cornhole tournament, a whole array of music, food, games and more.
The balloon rally is the Suncook Valley Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser. It supports scholarships and community initiatives throughout Barnstead, Chichester, Epsom, Loudon, and Pittsfield.
