Rose Parade Float Harmony Through Union Catches Fire

Many people sit down to watch the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Usually a normal New Year’s Day tradition, but during this year’s parade a float catches fire on live TV!

The Chinese American Heritage Foundation “Harmony Through Union” float started smoking on the parade route while cameras were on it.

Amid the merriment, the “Harmony Through Union” caught fire and began smoking before 10 a.m. PT. It was taken off the parade route for the remainder of the spectacle.

No one appeared to be injured in the small blaze. The official Rose Parade Twitter account said the float experienced the “technical difficulties” at Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards.

The rest of the Rose Parade got on without a hitch, and even saw some firsts. Grand Marshal and 10-time Grammy Award Winner Chaka Khan entertained along with her grandchildren with a medley of her hits in a collaboration seen for the first time in its 130-year history.