More than 130 firefighters fought the fire that swallowed four homes in Pacoima, and seriously injured a woman on Thursday night, authorities said.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to three burning one-storey homes in the area of 12933 W. Corcoran St. around 9pm, with fireworks exploding upon arrival, exposing surrounding homes and putting them at risk of ignition.
According to the LAFD, firefighters began attacking in defensive modes, stationing from safe distances and prioritizing crew safety from the possibility of additional explosions.
At 9:30pm, the fire department declared the flame a “major emergency” and said the 33-year-old woman was taken to hospital in a dangerous state. The injured dog was also taken to the emergency veterinary hospital.
Firefighters defeated the fire at 10pm, spreading it to a fourth home and a car, according to the fire department. Several animals were reportedly injured in the flames, and a 68-year-old woman refused to be transported to hospital due to smoke inhalation injuries.
According to LAFD, LA Water and Power Stations are being requested to manage wires that LA Water and Power Stations have gone down along the back of the first three homes.
Like the LA Police Department’s bomb squad, the fire station arson team and dangerous goods team were sent to the incident. The mayor’s crisis team was sent to a fire that extinguished to provide counseling and resources to affected residents.
Animal control was required to respond to the incident. The Red Cross and the LA Department of Building and Safety are also being tapped to help with the aftermath of the flames.
The fireworks explosion was one of several similar incidents reported across the state as of July 4th.
The explosion Thursday morning killed one person at a Shimi Valley home, and a similar incident seriously injured two people at a Bay Area residence.
Additionally, seven workers remain missing after involving a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, a rural area outside Sacramento on Tuesday night.
Earlier this week, LAFD reminded residents that all fireworks are illegal in the city of LA, and urged residents to refrain from hosting personal firework displays to celebrate the holidays.
“If you are storing or considering using fireworks this weekend, please reconsider our professional show and attend,” he posted on X following the Thursday night fire at Pacoima. “The most immediate way to inert the fireworks is to soak them in water. Step up and take care of your loved ones, pets and neighbors.”
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