The high winds and the cold put out the balloons flame so it wasn't just about setting the record, it was about making sure his two assistants got back down safely.
Four million acres have burned there in 2020 and the forecast for northern California says low humidity and high winds will make conditions more dangerous through Friday.
While extremely high winds are expected, the main fear is a surge in sea water levels and the damage that could bring to these low lying communities when it comes ashore.