Balloon
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 14; Flight Crew Total 305; Flight Crew Type 100
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Aircraft
On Date at XA:50 I started my hot inflation on the aircraft at the [event].  After 4 to 6 blasts into the envelope the left blast valve became stuck in the open position.  I attempted to stop the flame 2 to 3 times at the blast valve and then ended up shutting off the propane at the main tank.  Due to the valve being locked open I did my best job to ensure that the large flame was controlled.  In doing so I burned 1 color panel and 3 Nomex panels on the aircraft.  The burner is a Cameron Super single.  The burner did not act in this manner during my pre-flight checklist.Mr. X; a certified repairman; looked at the burners after the event.  He concluded the o ring in the left blast valve needed to be lubricated.
Balloon pilot reported that during hot inflation a burner valve became stuck in the open position resulting in the flame burning several panels on the balloon.