08/29/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Hot Air Balloon Collides with Power Lines on Higgins Road
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — August 29, 2026 — At approximately 7:08 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Presque Isle Public Safety responded to Higgins Road for a report of a hot air balloon that had collided with power lines, with smoke reported at the scene.
Paid-Call Department members were already on scene and were able to promptly block off the area and restrict access to the incident.
Presque Isle Fire Department Engine-6, Medic-18, and Medic-12 responded to the scene. Responding apparatus had to carefully navigate through a large number of spectators and vehicles parked along the roadway to reach the incident.
All members of the balloon crew were uninjured when emergency personnel arrived.
The Presque Isle Fire Department reminds the public to use extreme caution around downed or damaged power lines. This incident had significant potential for serious injury to the balloon crew, spectators attending the balloon festival, and bystanders attempting to assist.
Members of the public should never approach or attempt to move a downed power line or anything that may be in contact with one. Maintain a safe distance and immediately report downed power lines to emergency services.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
