In California, a number of accidental fireworks explosions up until July 4th resulted in the explosion Wednesday morning, killing one person in a Simi Valley home and seriously injured two people in a Bay Area residence.
The Ventura County Fire Department responded to a fire in a residential structure in the 1600 block of Edmund Street at 11:48 a.m., when the bodies were found in a burning garage, said Andy Vanciber, a department spokesman.
Then at 12:18pm, police and firefighters responded to a firefight in the house, including a fireworks-related explosion over 350 miles from Hayward’s coast, according to the city’s police department. The two were taken to the hospital in danger. Police said illegal fireworks could have been manufactured at home.
In Simi Valley, a 911 caller reported seeing fireworks explode from the garage of his Edmund Street home, Vanciver said.
Vansciver said it is unclear whether the fireworks will launch or ignite the fire as a result of the flames, adding that the incident is under investigation. The identity of the person who was killed has not been released.
The house was destroyed after a firework-related explosion at a Simi Valley home on Thursday.
(KTLA)
The fire quickly spread, consuming the garage, attic and main areas of the house, sending huge plumes of dark smoke into the air above the house. The Simi Valley Police Station urged the public to avoid the area as firefighters were working to get the flames.
The incident was classified as a two-arm fire, meaning multiple firefighters and engines are required. The crew defeated the flames at 12:42pm and remained on the scene for 3pm, Vansciver said.
Vansciver urged all residents to “leave the show to the pros,” and refrained from purchasing their own fireworks and causing them to explode during the holidays.
“Fireworks are not legal in cities like Camarillo, Moore Park, Ojay, Port Huneme, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, and are not permitted in unedited areas of Ventura County,” the department said on its website. “VCFD firefighting experts strongly discourage all fireworks… a reminder that using or possessing fireworks can result in fines and in some cases a term of prison.”
Meanwhile, Hayward’s crew responded to what officials said was an accidental fireworks explosion in the near 27,000 block of Mandarin Avenue, according to the Hayward Police Department.
Upon arrival, the crew spotted a man suffering from injuries that matched a fireworks-related explosion. A second explosion then took place, prompting the evacuation of the home and nearby facilities, police said.
Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire launched by the second explosion into the garage, preventing the flames from spreading to the rest of the house and adjacent properties. A specialist team from the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was brought in to help safely remove and dispose of explosives remaining inside the home, police said.
All fireworks are illegal in Hayward city.
Aerial footage shot by CBS News caused significant damage to the roof and sides of the building.
The incident comes two days after a massive fireworks explosion in a warehouse holding fireworks in Esparato, a rural area about 40 miles northwest of Sacramento.
Seven workers remained unissued on Thursday after the fiery explosion, sparking a 78-acre wildfire that the crew is still trying to contain.
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