What you see here is basically a small fabric hot air balloon powered by a small coal.

They're called Sky Lanterns (skylanterns.com).

Or, as the Highlands County Sheriffs Department refers to them;
"Flaming bags of fire."

I'm sure those of you with any ability to reason can figure out how we know what the Highlands County Sheriffs Department calls them.

We released 32 of these after the race. Mind you, I don't believe there was a sober one of us in the group.

Launching flame-powered balloons.

Flame-powered.

Balloons.

With fire in them.

Needless to say, several small fires were started (two that were actually right on the side of the track), and the words "HEADS UP!" or "LOOK OUT!" were oft shouted, as some folks decided to release their balloons a bit prematurely.

_{I'm sure it's not the first time a bunch of drunk men has released prematurely, is it?}

As they were not quite filled enough with hot air, they lofted right at about eye-level directly towards crowds w/their backs to us that were watching the FBOF that had successfully launched loft away.

Luckily, we didn't set blaze to any actual people.

-CF