Illegal fireworks in Compton over the weekend threw a surprise Christmas light show into chaos, rattling windows and rattling nerves.
Sunday night, deputies responded to an area near Compton University after receiving a report of an illegal fireworks display. Residents said the fireworks explosion lasted several minutes and was visible from miles away.
“It was like a big flame and random fireworks,” Lorena Barrios said.
Barrios said the fireworks lasted about 30 to 45 minutes. Another witness said 15 minutes.
Residents said the signs appear to be coming from near the Department of Transportation offices on Santa Fe Avenue, just north of Highway 91. The explosion shattered the windows of the DMV building.
The CHP said a California Highway Patrol helicopter could see hundreds of people gathered near the DMV.
“It’s been going on for a long time,” another resident told NBCLA. “My kids were scared of it.”
No arrests were reported Monday. Firefighters extinguished several wildfires caused by fireworks.
“We do not condone the use of illegal fireworks, especially during the Eason holidays when families should feel safe in their neighborhoods,” the City of Compton said in a statement. We will continue to enforce local ordinances prohibiting illegal fireworks. ”
