Floating Lanterns Blamed for Destroying 2 Mesquite Homes

Fire investigators say the likely cause was floating lanterns released from an unknown location.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two homes in Mesquite, Texas were destroyed in a fire that investigators say was likely sparked by floating lanterns released nearby. The fire spread quickly, with witnesses reporting seeing a lantern get caught in a tree between the two houses before dropping down and igniting debris. While the neighborhood is raising money to help the affected families, one of whom has a special-needs daughter, fire officials warn that floating lanterns pose a serious fire risk despite their celebratory appearance.

Why it matters

Floating lanterns are a popular tradition during celebrations, but this incident highlights the potential dangers they can pose. The fire destroyed the homes of two working-class families, underscoring the real-world consequences that can result from the seemingly harmless release of these airborne objects. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of fire safety and the need to consider the unintended consequences of certain celebratory practices.

The details

According to fire investigators, several witnesses reported seeing one of the floating lanterns get caught in a tree between the two houses on Candise Court. The lantern then dropped its fuel pod, which ignited nearby debris and quickly spread to both homes. The fire was intense, with flames reaching up to 20 feet high by the time neighbors arrived. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread further, but the two homes were completely destroyed.

  • The fire occurred last Thursday night.
  • Investigators have been on the scene for the past several days.

The players

Michelle Sullivan

A Mesquite resident who lives on Candise Court and says her aunt and uncle owned one of the homes that was destroyed.

Edward Rose

A Mesquite Fire Department Arson Investigator with 30 years of experience, who says this is the first time he's seen a fire caused by floating lanterns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was born and raised in this house. My whole family lived on the street.”

— Michelle Sullivan (cbsnews.com)

“There's a family that lives there that has a special-needs daughter, and she's in a wheelchair. Both of these families are working-class families, and they could use any assistance at all to help them because they got out with their lives, but they're going to have to rebuild.”

— Michelle Sullivan (cbsnews.com)

“Several witnesses said that one of them got hung up in the tree in between the two houses, and apparently, it dropped the fuel pod down in between the two houses, and it started debris on fire, which spread to both houses.”

— Edward Rose, Mesquite Fire Department Arson Investigator (cbsnews.com)

“I've been in the fire department 30 years and doing investigations for 18, this is a first for me.”

— Edward Rose, Mesquite Fire Department Arson Investigator (cbsnews.com)

“Don't. Don't do them. I mean, it's something you don't ever think about: where they have to come down. It kind of reminds me of how someone says you shoot a gun up in the air, the bullet has to come down somewhere. Well, if you release anything into the air, it's got to come down.”

— Edward Rose, Mesquite Fire Department Arson Investigator (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The neighborhood is currently raising money to assist the two affected families as they work to rebuild their homes.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by floating lanterns, which may seem harmless but can have devastating consequences when they land in populated areas. It highlights the importance of fire safety awareness and the need for communities to carefully consider the risks associated with certain celebratory practices.