Franklin Square, New York – A Long Island resident has been arrested after a garage fire resulted in fireworks going off in Nassau County, causing panic among nearby residents. Authorities announced Wednesday that Louis Distefano, 57, faces charges of unlawful storage and possession of explosives related to the incident that damaged several homes in Franklin Square.
According to investigators, police responded to a fire at Distefano’s Morton Avenue residence and found the garage completely engulfed in flames. The fire then spread to neighboring properties, setting off fireworks that had been stored in Distefano’s garage. The fireworks triggered fires in nearby structures, including another garage and fence.
The chaos caused by the fireworks did not stop there, as they also landed on a couch inside Distefano’s living room, sparking yet another fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, although the cause of the initial fire is still unknown and under investigation.
Louis Distefano is set to appear in court for arraignment on Wednesday, although information regarding legal representation for him is currently unavailable. The community in Franklin Square is left shaken by the ordeal and authorities are working to ensure the safety of residents impacted by the sudden outburst of fireworks due to the garage inferno.
Neighbors are expressing concerns about the dangers posed by storing explosives in residential areas, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and oversight. The events in Nassau County have brought attention to the potential risks associated with improper handling of fireworks and explosives, prompting calls for increased awareness and precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the investigation into the garage fire and subsequent firework explosion continues, the residents of Franklin Square are grateful for the swift response of emergency services in containing the situation. The community is coming together to support those affected by the damage caused by the unexpected chain of events, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and safety measures when dealing with hazardous materials.