Flames still spreading in biopreserve park near Sao Paulo

A fire blamed by Brazilian authorities on an illegal candle balloon is burning for a second day at the Juquery state park outside Sao Paulo

FRANCO DA ROCHA, Brazil -- A fire that authorities blamed on an illegal candle balloon burned for a second day Monday at Brazil’s Juquery state park outside Sao Paulo, which was showered with ash from the blaze a day earlier. More than 100 firefighters were trying to douse the flames at the park in Franco da Rocha, a municipality in Sao Paulo’s metropolitan region. City officials estimated 60% of the 2,000-hectare (5,000-acre) park had been charred. The city hall statement said six people were arrested Sunday night in connection with the case, but were released hours later on bail. They were not identified. Brazilians often send small balloons lighted by candles up into the night sky to enjoy the show, even though the practice is prohibited and punishable by fines or even prison. Sao Paulo state officials list the balloons among the top three causes of forest fires each year.