LEWISTON — Organizers of an upcoming Maine balloon festival are offering safety information after a weekend hot air balloon crash killed 16 people in Texas.
The Sun Journal reported that the 24th Great Falls Balloon Festival is set to take place Aug. 19-21 in Lewiston.
The festival’s website says it only invites pilots who have passed yearly in-flight tests to maintain commercial pilot licenses. The balloons must pass yearly safety inspections that include testing the fuel system.
There have been no deaths since the popular festival started in 1992. In a 2011 incident, four people were burned from a fire sparked by a fuel line leak.
The Office of the Maine State Fire Marshal says the office has worked with Lewiston safety officials to ensure that propane tanks are filled properly.
-
Special SectionsOld Hallowell Days Citizens of the Year: Pam and Eric Perry
-
Special SectionsAnthony Romano, a Hall-Dale senior is 2018 Timson Award Recipient
-
Special SectionsJen Greta Cart named Old Hallowell Day 2018 Artist
-
Maine CrimePolice: Man arrested on aggravated assault charge in alleged Winthrop knife attack
-
BusinessFord recalls 550,000 vehicles that can roll away unexpectedly
