A foil helium balloon has been identified as the likely cause of a devastating fire which destroyed homes in Kenninghall.
A foil helium balloon has been identified as the most likely cause of a major fire which destroyed homes in Kenninghall last month.
The blaze broke out in a field on Sunday 9 August before spreading rapidly towards properties in the village during dry and windy conditions.
Three homes were affected, with two bungalows badly damaged. Nobody was reported injured.
UK Power Networks says an independent forensic investigation has now concluded that a foil-coated helium balloon is likely to have come into contact with an overhead electricity line.
Investigators found debris believed to be from the balloon on equipment attached to a pole in the field close to the affected properties.
The contact is believed to have caused an electrical arc, which ignited the balloon before burning material fell onto the dry ground below and started the fire.
UK Power Networks says no faults or other problems were found with its equipment.
The electricity network was switched off at the request of the fire service while crews tackled the blaze.
The company has described the circumstances as rare and says its thoughts remain with the families whose homes were affected.
Foil balloons contain metallic material which can conduct electricity and should never be released near overhead power lines.
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