How are balloons inflated?

The balloon envelope is spread on the
ground and the gondola laid on its side
and attached to the envelope cables. A portable
(gasoline powered) fan pushes cold air into
the envelope. When the envelope is about half
inflated with outside (ambient) air, a propane
burner is ignited until the air inside is heated
enough for the balloon to rise to an upright
position. With a small amount of additional
heat, the balloon becomes buoyant. Typically,
the inflation takes about 20 minutes.

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