A fireworks-related residential fire in Los Angeles’ Pacoima neighborhood killed one man and injured five others Thursday night. The blaze quickly spread to four properties, triggering a massive response from over 130 firefighters, officials said.
Explosions Fueled the Fire’s Spread
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said the fire involved a large cache of fireworks stored in a detached garage. As the flames spread, fireworks continued detonating, threatening nearby brush and structures.
Witnesses Describe Explosion-Like Impact
“It felt like an explosion,” one resident told KABC. He described seeing fireworks go off as fires broke out across the street, causing chaos in the neighborhood.
Casualties and Animal Rescues
Firefighters found a man in his 30s dead after extinguishing the fire. A 33-year-old woman was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Four others were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Several animals were injured; at least one dog was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital.
Fire Contained in Under an Hour
The blaze, reported shortly after 9 p.m., engulfed three one-story homes, multiple accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and a parked vehicle. Firefighters contained the fire within 53 minutes.
Gas Leak and Electrical Hazards Managed
Responders also addressed a gas leak and downed live electrical wires behind the properties. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the gas company were called to assist.
Officials Urge Safe Fireworks Practices
Firefighter David Ortiz warned against unlicensed fireworks use in Southern California’s dry conditions. “Leave the fireworks to the professionals,” he urged. “They are very powerful and can start fires.”
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. For more details on this story, stay tuned with us on Que Onda Magazine.