Fireworks lead to explosion at home in Pacoima

In the United States, an explosion occurred at a home in Pacoima, California, on Thursday morning, critically injuring a man who was inside the residence. The Los Angeles Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a loud explosion at approximately 9 a.m. Investigators initially believe that fireworks were responsible for the blast. The victim remained hospitalized in critical condition following the explosion. Firefighters arrived quickly and found that, although the flames were extinguished by 9:30 a.m., concerns grew about the structurally compromised building, which posed a danger to both humans and animals inside. As firefighters worked to manage the situation, they discovered that while one dog had become trapped and was saved, it remained unclear how many dogs were actually in the debris. Conflicting reports from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department indicated possible discrepancies about the total number of dogs. Even after gaining control over the flames, authorities hesitated to enter the property until it was declared safe, worried that further collapse could endanger the animals left behind. In light of the instability of the premises, officials determined that the appropriate course of action was a controlled burn of the house and any remaining explosives. ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cooper warned that the house had become unsafe, likening it to a bomb. Consequently, police evacuated at least 60 neighboring homes to protect residents during this procedure. To shield nearby buildings from potential harm, firefighters applied thermal gel, and a metal fence was constructed to prevent any debris from flying out. The process of destroying the hazardous leftovers from the explosion raised multiple safety concerns due to the chemicals involved, which are known to react negatively with water and could not be transported safely. This necessary step stemmed from the fact that the volatile materials left behind were regarded as just as dangerous as a meth lab. The authorities stressed the importance of keeping the public away from the area until concluded, given the chance of causing further danger or disruption. The complexities surrounding the incident highlighted the importance of safely disposing of materials such as fireworks, following prior criticism regarding handling procedures in incidents involving explosive materials.