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Hydrogen balloons pose fire hazard (Salem, OR)

Salem Fire Department and Salem Police Department are investigating a series of homemade hydrogen balloons that were let loose and came perilously close to starting significant fires.

Hydrogen is highly flammable and could cause major damage because of its combustibility and the unseasonable dryness of the grass and brush in the area.

At about 8:15 p.m. Sunday, the remains of a homemade balloon were found burning on the roof of a commercial structure at 325 Patterson St. NW, said Deputy Fire Marshal Bill Holmstrom.

Firefighters climbed onto the roof of the building to remove the burning material and ensure the structure was not on fire, Holmstrom said.

Two other discarded balloons were found on the property, and Salem police officers have responded to other reports of the balloons in the West Salem area in recent days.

Anyone with information about the balloons should contact Salem Fire Department at (503) 588-6245 or Salem Police Department at (503) 588-6230.
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